Boscobel House, Boscobel, Shropshire
This timber framed farmhouse was built in the 1500s. It was remodelled as a hunting lodge for John Giffard between c1600 and c1630. Charles II was forced to flee after his defeat at the Battle of Worcester in 1651. He was blocked at every turn. He eventually found himself knocking on the door of the Giffard family at Boscobel House in Shropshire, who were known Catholics in this time of religious persecution. He spent one night hiding in the now famous oak tree, before spending a second night in a tiny priest hole that is still in situ. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).
