The Ravenswood’s story kicks off in 1426 during Henry VI’s reign, starting as a little farmhouse called “Baylewikce,” built for the bailiff of Thomas Comberhatch’s estate. By 1450, Isaac Mowbraye had moved in, managing the estate and dealing with all sorts of rural drama – think fines for stray pigs and neglected roads!
Over time, the house passed through many hands. By 1603, it had split from the estate and landed with Giles Hoigges, gifted by Ursula Dawlinge along with cows, pewter, and linens. In the 1630s, it got a glow-up with a tower and servants’ quarters. Ownership changed frequently – from Ralph Jackson, once an envoy to Charles II, to the Posian family, and eventually Peter Daddswell. In 1739, Daddswell stirred up a legal feud when he left the house to Celia Grigsby instead of his kids. Grigsby won but let the house fall into disrepair.
Fast forward to 1839, when May & Sons snapped it up. After a big rebuild, Richard Gower took over in 1846. The Ravenswood kept growing with major expansions in 1854, 1863, and 1878. It even welcomed royal guests like Princess Beatrice and Queen Wilhelmina!
Skip ahead to the 20th century, and The Ravenswood kept reinventing itself. By the 1960s, it was a casino; by the 70s, a hotel and wedding venue. In 2017, Samantha Gilchrist and Stuart Guy swooped in to save it from being turned into apartments, making it the first of 12 venues in their Gilchrist Collection. It’s safe to say The Ravenswood has been through it all!
