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Shaw House was built in 1581 by Newbury clothier Thomas Dolman. This fine Elizabethan building was home to successive Dolman families, the flamboyant Duke of Chandos and the Andrews, Eyre and Farquhar families. Over this time the House played host to several royal visitors, including Elizabeth I.
In 1943 Shaw House began a new life as a school for generations of local children. However in 1985 Shaw House was evacuated due to concerns about the structure of the building. The most recent chapter in the Grade I listed building's history began in 2005 when building contractors began the £6 million restoration following grants from the Heritage Lottery Fund, local company Vodafone and English Heritage.
Shaw House was opened to the public on 28th October 2008 for the first time in over 400 years.
The stories and characters from Shaw House's past are bought to life in the exhibitions. It includes items of interest from all periods including a Royal Grant dated 1557, notebooks from the 1750s and archaeological finds from the restoration
During your visit you will wander through the most significant historic rooms of the house. They are unfurnished as nothing remained after Shaw ceased to be a family home but as one of the most significant historic properties in the county there is still much to appreciate.
The design of Shaw House was then an architectural breakthrough. Today it is an extremely important survival of a house of its period. The plan of the house is an H-shape, a simple rationalisation of the plans found in earlier manor houses. The only substantial addition to the exterior of the original house is a loggia and gallery built across the centre of the north front in the middle of the 19th century.
The Shaw House Cafe is located in what used to be the kitchen. The old fireplace and smoke jack can still be seen! Chose from a range of delicious sandwiches and tempting cakes.
You'll find The Gift Shop adjacent to reception. We stock a variety of Shaw House gifts and local items including confectionary, ceramics, Shaw House teddies, canvas bags and tea towels as well as postcards, prints, notelets and notebooks featuring works of art from our collection.
Weekend Opening 11th February-26th August Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm
February Half Term 13th February - 17th February Monday to Friday 10am - 4pm
Easter Holidays 2nd April-13th April Monday-Friday 10am-4pm
Easter Bank Holidays 6th April-9th April Friday to Monday 11am-4pm
May Bank Holiday 7th May Monday 11am - 4pm
Half Term 6th June-8th June Wednesday-Friday 10am - 4pm
Summer Holidays 1st August-31st August Wednesday-Friday 10am - 4pm
October Half Term 29th October-2nd November Monday-Friday 10am - 4pm
Christmas 2nd December Sunday 11am-4pm
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS PROPERTY IS NOT IN THE HHA FRIENDS SCHEME AND DOES NOT OFFER FREE ACCESS TO MEMBERS AND FRIENDS
Please contact the property for up to date opening times
Please contact the Information & Bookings Officer on 01635 519804.
Groups and special visitsBack to top
Group Visit with Tour
You will be greeted by a member of staff who will take you on an exclusive tour of Shaw House. On booking you can choose the classic tour, combining the history of the house, its architecture and recent restoration, or pick one of the specialist tours, which will cover one of these three themes in more detail.
. The Classic Tour
. From Status Symbol to School Days
. Much More than Bricks and Mortar
. The Great Revival
After your tour you will have an opportunity to look around the house at your own pace, visit the exhibition and gift shop. Your visit will last approximately 2½ hours.
This type of visit is only available on certain days please contact the Information & Bookings Officer on 01635 519804. For more information please call or visit www.shawhouse.org.uk
Group Visits
You will be greeted by a member of staff who will give you a brief introduction to the history and highlights of Shaw House.You may then enjoy your visit at your leisure.
This type of visit is only available when pre booked with the Information & Bookings Officer on 01635 519804. For more information please call or visit www.shawhouse.org.uk
| Tailor Made Facilities | | Visits to House | Yes | | Visits to Garden | No | | Other Events | Yes | | Light Refreshments | Yes | | Lunch | Yes | | Dinner | No |
Offers a venue for civil ceremonies. Please contact on West Berkshire Registration Service for Births, Deaths and Ceremonies on 01635 279230.
Shaw House is ideally situated in a tranquil setting on the north edge of Newbury placing it within an hour's reach of London, Bristol, Oxford and the south coast. It is also within a 20 to 25 minute walk from the town centre and therefore accessible by public transport.
There are nine stunning rooms for hire, all with their own unique character, plenty of natural daylight, adjustable lighting and a restful ambience. Room capacities vary depending on the furniture layout. Technical cabinets that incorporate Video/DVD Player, TV connection, projector screen, LCD projector, overhead projector and power data facilities are available. We can also provide display boards, flipchart, paper & pens, interactive whiteboard & pens, all of which are included in the room hire charge.
A choice of catering is also available. Please contact the Information & Bookings Officer on 01635 519804 or visit our website for more information.
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