Shaw House
Shaw House was completed in 1581 by Thomas Dolman, a member of a successful family who had made their fortune from the cloth industry in Newbury. This impressive manor has witnessed centuries of political and social tension and evidence exists for its contribution to some of the most notable events in English history.
The striking nature of its architecture established the Dolmans' position as pre-eminent in Newbury and the surrounding area. The Dolman family have been significant to the development of Shaw House; in all it was passed down through six generations between 1554 and 1728. During this time visitors to Shaw included several kings and queens on their royal progresses around the country as well as courtiers travelling from London to Bath.
It then became the setting for part of the Second Battle of Newbury in 1644, acting as headquarters for Charles I, while hand-to-hand battle was fought in the gardens between his army and that of the Parliamentarians.
Over the succeeding centuries Shaw House has been the country retreat of a Duke, the residence of an 18th century investor who had interests in the West Indian sugar plantations, and the home of a large Victorian family. At the outbreak of World War II the house was requisitioned by the War Office as accommodation for troops. Following the bombing of Newbury Senior Council schools in 1943 it took on its final role as a school for many generations of Newbury children. Having stood empty for over a decade a major restoration programme has rescued it from near dereliction and left it refurbished for the benefit of the community.
key
Prices
Under 5's are Free
Opening details
| Season Dates | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Notes | 13th February-17th February: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm 11th February to 26th August: Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm Good Friday 6th April & Easter Monday 9th April May Day Monday 7th May Monday 4th June and Monday 27th August 6th June to 8th June: Monday to Friday 10am-4pm 1st August to 31st August: Wednesday to Friday 10am-4pm 8th & 9th September: 11am-4pm October Half Term: Saturday & Sunday 11am-4pm, Monday to Friday 10am-4pm Christmas Event: 2nd December 11am-4pm |
Image GalleryContact
ReceptionTel: 01635 279279
shawhouse@westberks.gov.uk
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Hotels and B&Bs
Self-Catering Places
EventsVenue
Shaw HouseChurch Road, Newbury, RG14 2DR
www.shawhouse.org.uk
See location on Google maps.Map reference: SU 476682 Lat: 51.41104 Long: -1.31670
By Road:
From the M4 Leave the motorway at J 13 take A34 towards Newbury. Exit for A339 Newbury Town Centre (this is first slip road off the A34 and comes up very quickly). Straight over at first roundabout (Vodafone HQ on left), keep in left hand lane at traffic lights, then take next left onto Shaw Road - B4009 (signposted Hermitage). At mini roundabout turn left onto Church Road (signposted Shaw Church) and the entrance to the car park is on the right before the main gates to the house.
From the south
From the A34 take the slip road exit signposted A4 Newbury & Hungerford, (this is the third junction for Newbury). At the roundabout turn left onto the A4, follow the road through Speen, past the Hare & Hounds pub on the right. At the next roundabout take second exit, staying on A4. At the A339/A4 roundabout, take left turn into Shaw Road - B4009 (signposted Hermitage). At mini roundabout turn left onto Church Road (signposted Shaw Church) and the entrance to the car park is on the right before the main gates to the house.
From the east (Thatcham), west (Hungerford) and south east (Basingstoke)
At the A339/A4 roundabout, take left turn into Shaw Road - B4009 (signposted Hermitage). At mini roundabout turn left onto Church Road (signposted Shaw Church) and the entrance to the car park is on the right before the main gates to the house.
By Public Transport:
By Rail
Shaw House is situated 1½ miles from Newbury station. There is a taxi rank at the station, alternatively it is approximately 15 minutes walk through the town centre.
By Bus
Shaw Road, just a few minutes walk from Shaw House is well served by buses to and from Newbury Bus Station. Newbury Buses services 9 & 12 stop in Shaw Road. The bus stops are on either side of the road close to the local shop from where it is a short walk along Shaw Road and Church Road to Shaw House.
Parking : free
Nearest station : 2 miles (3.2 kms) from Newbury station
Also at this venue
Conference Facilities
Weddings
Events at this venue
| date | event |
|---|---|
| Sat 25 May 2013 - Sun 2 Jun 2013 | Follow the School Tie Trail |
| Sun 16 Jun 2013 | Father's Day |
| Sun 21 Jul 2013 | Summer Fair |
| Sat 27 Jul 2013 | Candlelit Opera Gala |
| Thu 1 - Sat 31 Aug 2013 | Family Activity Days |
| Sun 8 Sep 2013 | Classic Car Visit |
| Sat 26 Oct 2013 - Sun 3 Nov 2013 | Half term activites |
| Sun 1 Dec 2013 | Christmas Crafts, Carols & Children's parties |
