It is rare that an authentic Tudor house can be visited in all its splendour - without any Victorian restoration work or other significant alterations from the hands of war or change of ownership.
In Warwickshire, we're very lucky that just such a place exists. Now you can discover for yourself what the Tudors did for us by going on a virtual tour around Coughton Court.
Just click on the images on the right hand side of this page to launch the tours.
You can also enjoy a photograph gallery from the house and find out about visiting by following the links on the left.
ÌýA place full of history
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Ìý | ![View of Coughton Court](/staticarchive/1f5148434cc4fa0d784e88c36bfec88b350c5d68.jpg) | In the courtyard
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Coughton Court is brimming with history as its origins date back to the early 15th Century when it is believed a medieval house was on the site.
The present house has virtually remained unchanged since the 16th Century, although historic events - such as bombardements and fires during the Civil War - have left their marks on it.
ÌýSpot the secret catholic chapel
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The house, now a National Trust property, is home to the Throckmortons, an ancient Catholic family, who have lived here for nearly six centuries.
The family were involved in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 and became leaders in Catholic emancipation in the 19th Century.
During times of religious persecution the house was a Catholic place of refuge.
Ìý | ![View of Coughton Court](/staticarchive/10bd989d933c2965977730f7c06b5f8d8a6e7e0a.jpg) | The saloon
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The tower room has reminders of those dangerous times, such as the hiding place in the north-east turret. It served as a secret Catholic chapel where priests could take refuge when the house was searched by Elisabeth’s pursuivants.
A folding leather altar was discovered in 1910.
The tower was important in the 16th Century for monitoring the comings and goings of especially those who threatened Catholic services.
Once you walk the uneven stone steps to the roof you have a magnificient view over Coughton Court and its surrounding countryside.
ÌýApart from the impressive gardens and the two churches in the grounds, Coughton Court houses also a Gunpowder Plot exhibition, highlighting the history and reasons of the events and the family’s involvement.
Ìý | ![View of Coughton Court](/staticarchive/df1fff92035f39f223dd68340028dd4cfd94a201.jpg) | In the garden
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Francis Tresham and Robert Catesby, two chief plotters (together with Guy Fawkes) were grandsons of Sir Robert Throckmorton, a member if Henry VIII’s Privy Council, who began the family’s long association with the Tudor monarch.
Now you know all about the property, click on the images for your virtual tour.
For further information on Coughton Court please follow the links to your left.
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