Birtsmorton Court

The manor is mentioned in the Domesday Book; the present house, partly half-timbered built on a courtyard plan, is in part of the 13th century. In 1424–25 Birtsmorton became the seat of John Nanfan, who had most of the earlier structure demolished before his death in about 1447. Cardinal Wolsey is an important historical figure, who is also reported to have frequently stayed at the court during his earlier days. The house was remodelled for Giles Nanfan in about 1572, as heraldry in the Great Hall suggests. The Nanfan family retained the Manor until 1771. The last male heir, Bridges Nanfan, left the estate to his daughter Catherine in 1704. She married four times, including to Lord Coote,…