Stoke Edith House

Stoke Edith House is a red brick mansion built in 1697 with a four-sided courtyard layout, designated as a Grade II listed building. The ruins sit within expansive parkland near Hereford, displaying the typical architectural features of a 17th-century country estate.

The estate came under the control of Thomas Foley in 1670 following Sir Henry Lingen's widow, and he received a royal grant from King James II to develop the surrounding land. This late 17th-century expansion transformed the property into a major country seat.

The house was a center of fine needlework in the early 1700s, with embroidered hangings that reflected the wealth and taste of its owners. Pieces from this collection now reside in London's Victoria and Albert Museum, offering a glimpse into domestic craftsmanship of that era.

The grounds operate as a private shooting estate and access to the park areas requires arranging an appointment in advance. Visitors need to make prior arrangements with the owners to explore the property and its surrounding landscape.

The mansion's original sundial bore the Latin phrase 'Horas non numero nisi serenas', meaning 'I count only the sunny hours', a poetic reflection of how the wealthy residents viewed their leisured lives. This inscription reveals the lighthearted philosophy that owners brought to their country retreat.

Location: Stoke Edith

Inception: 1697

GPS coordinates: 52.06267,-2.57778

Latest update: December 8, 2025 21:05