In the family since 1875
Berwick House & Gardens
Berwick House & Gardens
Although much has changed since 1875, our core principle remains the same:
Get on and Have fun with it!
spilling the family tea
Berwick House sits on the Berwick Estate - 3,000 acres of farmland. It was originally built by Thomas Powys in 1731. A medieval manor and deerpark stood on the Estate over a millenium prior, and Berwick House was built on top of its remnants.
The house was later purchased in 1871 by James Watson, a successful cheese-monger from Birmingham and the great-great-great-Grandfather to Berwick’s current generation. He plunged the house into extensive renovations, and upon completion in 1875, moved to Berwick Estate from Worley Hall with his wife and two children.
He quickly acclimated to Shrewsbury and became the town’s MP from 1885 until 1892. He led a colourful life and enjoyed running Berwick House with his eighteen members of staff, hosting elaborate balls for the UK’s elite.
Amongst Mr. Watson’s undertakings was the launch of Berwick’s historic Jersey Herd. The late 19th century saw one of England’s oldest Jersey cow herds (second only to the King’s!) flourish on Berwick Estate. The lineage started with Daisy and Buttercup, and has now grown to a thriving herd of nearly 600 cattle.
The remainder of Mr Watson’s life was spent at Berwick in bliss, surrounded by the peaceful countryside, lavish parties, and exquisite balls.
Upon Mr. Watson’s death in 1895, Berwick Estate passed to his daughter, Florence Mary. She married William Walter Graham Phillipps, pictured to the right, who had his name inscribed into Berwick’s stained glass and filled the house with marble busts in his likeness, which remain today.
Interestingly, Berwick House would pass through the female line for three generations, from Watson to Phillipps to Neale. The Angell-James family has preserved Berwick House for generations and is the same family that will open its doors for you today.
Berwick Through the Centuries
Interested in helping us digitise photographs and transcribe letters? Join us and our dedicated group of volunteers!
EXPECT Opulence
Oak panelling, marble fireplaces, intricate stained glass, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high moulded ceilings award grandeur to every room.
Dine under crystal chandeliers in our magnificent and light-filled Drawing Room. Floor-to-ceiling windows spill light across the South front, leading you onto the terrace to overlook the rolling countryside, immaculate gardens, and River Severn.
Grab a cocktail from the Oak Room Bar and mosey next door for a quiet moment in the Georgian Library, facing splendid views of the Italianate Hardy Garden.
Put your Snooker skills to the test on our original mohagany table, purchased by James Watson in 1890.
It’s the centrepiece of our dedicated Billiard Room: the perfect place for Groomsmen to exercise some nerves, or for night owls to play the evening away.
Make yourselves at home and use our luxurious rooms in any way you dream.
Cosy up with family and friends alongside an open fire in our lavish Dining Room surrounded by hand carved oak, ancient arms, and crown moulding.
CREATIVITY AT ITS CORE
Berwick House is a blank canvas location and no two experiences are ever the same.
You are free to choose your own entertainment, caterers, florists, and more to plan an occasion that is uniquely you.
Whether it be a civilised sit down meal or a sumptuous, lavish party, the floor is all yours!