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BOOKINGS FOR 2010 Holiday in history Horses whinny in the courtyard,
muffled voices can be heard in the shadows and a purposeful series of footsteps
precede a loud banging on the door. The silence is deafening . No-one
answers. Then more ferocious knocking
follows. Guards begin to search the
surrounding estate and fields. All is quiet. No-one is home, save for a stray chicken or
two scurry and cluck across the straw-strewn courtyard. A huge battering ram is now used to
launch an all-out attack on the front door.
And finally it gives way to an empty great hall. A long table and chairs sit neatly
either side, but it seems bereft of ornaments that you would expect for house
of this size and stature. Soldiers rush upstairs and deftly
search every nook and cranny from the bed chambers to the scullery - even in
the stables no living soul can be unearthed.. Roundhead chief and arch republican,
Oliver Cromwell is waiting impatiently to be received. Where could owners of Woodhey, Sir Thomas
Wilbraham and his wife Elizabeth be? Historical records from the time
show that with the onset of Civil War (1642), the said owners of Woodhey were
staunchly Royalist in their leanings, and when during this period of unrest,
Nantwich came out firmly on the Roundhead side, great difficulty inevitably
followed. The above fictionalised account has
probably many similarities to what actually happened when Oliver Cromwell came
calling at Woodhey during his campaigns in Cheshire. The Wilbrahams, however, records
show, fled to sympathetic friends, but were unfortunately discovered and
brought back to Woodhey to play host to Cromwell and his cohorts. An excerpt from parliamentary
records below details how they were dealt with: The House of Commons Journal Volume
4, 2 May 1646: Resolved, &c. That this House doth accept of the Sum of Two
thousand Five hundred Pounds (£2,500) of Sir Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey and
the County of Chester, Baronet, for discharge of his Delinquency; his Offence
being, forsaking his Dwelling, and residing in the Enemies Quarters; and his
Estate, Twelve hundred and Fifty Pounds One Shilling and Eleven pence (1250 1s
11d) per Annum, in Lands in Tail; in old Rents, Seventy-five pounds Twelve
Shillings and Fourpence (75 12s 4d): in Tythes, Sixty Pounds (£60) per Annum:
Whereof he is Tenant for Life; Remainder to his Lady for Life; the Remainder to
his First Son in Tail, and the Heirs Males of his Body; with divers Remainders
over in Tail; the Remainder to the right Heirs of the said Sir Thomas
Wilbraham: Out of which One hundred Fifty-three Pounds Twelve Shillings and
Eight pence (153 12s 8d) is payable for ever, and Two hundred and Seventy
Pounds Thirteen Shillings and Fourpence (270 13s 4d) for Life: And that an
Ordinance be passed for the granting a pardon to him for his Offence, and for
Discharge of his Estate accordingly. An Ordinance for granting a Pardon
unto Sir Thomas Wilbraham of Woodhey in the County of Chester, Baronet, for his
Delinquency, and for Discharge of the Sequestration of his Estate, was this Day
read; and, upon the Question, passed; and ordered to be sent unto the Lords for
their Concurrence. Cromwell commandeered an outbuilding
at Woodhey for his very own during his northern expeditions; and to this day
its still called Cromwells Manor. It
has been fitted out with many period-style drapes and furniture and is now let
out year round with its sister Grade II listed barn conversion, the Old
Carthouse. If you would perhaps like to try a
holiday with a difference, and take a break at a luxury 5 star complex with
strong historical associations, then why not contact the current owners of
Woodhey on tel: 01270524215 mobile 083654983 There is a wealth of historical architecture and fixtures and fittings in the Woodhey complex, not least of which is a Grade I listed private chapel, which is still very much as it was in the 17th century. The owners are more than pleased to organise a tour of this enchanting building and direct people to the many other fascinating sights, towns and cities nearby that are also brimming with history. |