Shireoaks Hall

Shireoaks Hall is a house built with rough stone walls and a slate roof, set within a 40-acre park that shapes the visitor's first impression. The rectangular building sits within this large landscaped grounds, creating a country setting that feels removed from ordinary surroundings.

The house was built from 1612 to 1617 by John Smythson for Thomas Hewett. The stone came from Roche Abbey lands, obtained through merchants connected to the cloth trade in London.

The place name refers to the oak trees that once marked the boundary between counties, a reference still visible in the trees scattered across the grounds today. This connection between the land and its name helps visitors understand how the area got its character.

The site is Grade II* listed, meaning the grounds and building are well maintained and preserved for visitors. Wear sturdy shoes as you walk through the parkland, since the ground changes with the seasons and can be uneven in places.

The house was built using stone from a nearby abbey whose ruins can still be visited today. This connection between the two places reveals how materials were reused in the early modern period.

Location: Shireoaks

Inception: 1617

GPS coordinates: 53.31940,-1.17218

Latest update: December 12, 2025 12:01