Beaudesert

Beaudesert is the remains of a country house in Longdon, with surviving stone walls and architectural details from its original construction period. The site sits on the southern edge of Cannock Chase, and portions of the grounds serve as a Scout and Guide camp.

William Paget received this estate from Henry VIII in 1546 and expanded a royal hunting lodge into a major residence for his family. The property remained under the family's ownership for four centuries before changing hands.

The Paget family shaped this place over centuries, and their influence remains visible in how the ruins are arranged across the grounds. Walking through reveals how a grand household once organized its spaces and activities.

You can walk the grounds using marked pathways that pass the remaining walls and foundations. Keep in mind that part of the estate operates as an active camp, so it helps to check ahead before visiting.

The Grand Lodge built in 1814 still stands at the entrance on Horsey Lane and shows the architectural style of its era. This surviving gatehouse provides insight into how the estate was originally designed and accessed.

Location: Longdon

GPS coordinates: 52.71787,-1.92037

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:43