Littlecote House

Great house, principally dating from around 1500 to 1570, with significant additions from 1590 to 1620, and again around the 18th century, incorporating some medieval fabric. The construction is of flint with limestone ashlar, with work from 1590 in brick. The roofs are covered in stone slate. The building is rectangular, arranged around an elongated courtyard, with a further, now open, courtyard to the west. Medieval elements are located on the north side of the open square, containing a chapel and rooms to the east. This block was extended eastwards, incorporating a hall with a long gallery above. A courtyard was then formed through a new great hall, with a parlour in the west wing and a stair to the east of a cross passage, creating a symmetrical ‘E’ shaped elevation. Work from the 17th century includes remodelling of the chapel and a block at its west end, and the rebuilding of a matching wing that forms the open courtyard on the south, which dates from around the 18th century. Windows are generally 2, 3, and 4-light stone mullioned and transomed, with Tudor arches, and doors are pointed segmental with spandrels and hoodmoulds. Numerous diagonal shafted brick chimneys are present. There are simple gables to the 1590 doorway and wing projections.

The great hall features oak panelling and a fine screen to the passage, incorporating Ionic pilasters and two round arches. A gallery sits above. The floor is black and white flag, and the ceiling is ribbed with pendants. 16th-century glass remains in the windows. The Long Gallery extends for 33.4 metres and has a plaster frieze dating from around 1520. The Dutch Room contains a painted ceiling and walls dating from the 16th century. Brick Hall and other rooms are characterised by excellent 17th-century panelling. The chapel is an important example of Cromwellian furnishings within a medieval shell, featuring a raised, panelled pulpit with a tester against the east wall, along with pews and galleries with twisted balusters on attenuated columns, and an open roof. A Jerusalem stair is located on a solid newel within the stair tower. Early 19th-century work includes remodelling of the library by J. Robson of Marlborough in 1810 and Chinese paper decoration in the Drawing Room.

The house originated in the early medieval period and came to the Darrell family in 1415. It was later acquired by Sir John Popham, who later became Lord Chief Justice of England, in 1589, remaining in his family until 1922. Historical events associated with the house include a courtship of Henry VIII, and subsequent royal visits.