Beckett Hall, Grade II listed estate in Shrivenham, England
Beckett Hall is a two-storey country residence with attic spaces, decorative plaster ceilings, and prominent chimney stacks reflecting Elizabethan revival design. The property now functions as military facilities housing the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Centre and various training operations.
The estate originated as part of the royal demesne under King John in 1204 and was subsequently controlled by the de Becote family. The family retained ownership until 1424, after which the property passed through various hands before military acquisition in 1936.
The grounds contain the China House, which holds Grade I status and displays exceptional craftsmanship distinct from the main residence. Visitors can observe how this separate structure reflects different architectural choices and decorative approaches.
The estate now operates as military facilities and is not openly accessible to the general public. Visitors should check beforehand whether tours are available or if external views can be seen from the property boundaries.
The estate's influence extended across the Atlantic, as the towns of Becket and Great Barrington in Massachusetts received their names from this location. This transatlantic connection documents how the English property shaped the naming of communities in colonial America.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
