Severn End

SO 84 SW 3/102

HANLEY CASTLE CP Severn End

11.8.52

II* Country house. Rebuilt after fire in 1896 as replica of house of C16 and C17, with possible medieval remains, incorporating some late C17 additions which survived the fire. Timber-framing and brick with tile roofs. Main range forms west side of courtyard, with wing enclosing north and south sides. Two storeys with attics.

West front, facing garden, almost symmetrical and of timber-framing. Centre of three gabled bays with two jetties and central doorway with timber surround. To each side are one-bay links with attic dormers to outer gabled wings which are close-studded. Chimneys to left and right with diagonal shafts. The east side, facing the courtyard, is also symmetrical and has three gabled bays. To each side of the centre bay, which contains the doorway, are chimneys with clustered shafts. The north and south wings were begun in 1673 and are of brick. Each has three shaped gables, the central one with a segmental pediment and the outer ones with triangular pediments. The north wing survived the fire in an almost complete condition.

Interior: north wing said to contain C17 stair and plaster ceiling. Central range of house contains late C19 woodwork including overmantels. The dining room ceiling is plastered in an Elizabethan style.

The diaries of Sir Nicholas Lechmere record building work at Severn End, including construction of the wing in 1673. Reputed to be the location of Brinkley Court in the Wooster Novels by P.G Wodehouse.

Listing NGR: SO8455742643