In the family since 1875

Berwick House & Gardens

Berwick House & Gardens

A vintage black and white photograph of a woman wearing a patterned dress, a hat, and jewelry, sitting with her hands clasped.

Although much has changed since 1875, our core principle remains the same:

Get on and Have fun with it!

spilling the family tea

Berwick House sits on the Berwick Estate - 3,000 acres of farmland. It was originally built by Thomas Powys in 1731. A medieval manor and deerpark stood on the Estate over a millenium prior, and Berwick House was built on top of its remnants.

The house was later purchased in 1871 by James Watson, a successful cheese-monger from Birmingham and the great-great-great-Grandfather to Berwick’s current generation. He plunged the house into extensive renovations, and upon completion in 1875, moved to Berwick Estate from Worley Hall with his wife and two children.

He quickly acclimated to Shrewsbury and became the town’s MP from 1885 until 1892. He led a colourful life and enjoyed running Berwick House with his eighteen members of staff, hosting elaborate balls for the UK’s elite.

Amongst Mr. Watson’s undertakings was the launch of Berwick’s historic Jersey Herd. The late 19th century saw one of England’s oldest Jersey cow herds (second only to the King’s!) flourish on Berwick Estate. The lineage started with Daisy and Buttercup, and has now grown to a thriving herd of nearly 600 cattle.

A black-and-white photograph from 1885 showing two men each holding cows on leashes in a park with grass, trees, and cloudy sky.

The remainder of Mr Watson’s life was spent at Berwick in bliss, surrounded by the peaceful countryside, lavish parties, and exquisite balls.

Upon Mr. Watson’s death in 1895, Berwick Estate passed to his daughter, Florence Mary. She married William Walter Graham Phillipps, pictured to the right, who had his name inscribed into Berwick’s stained glass and filled the house with marble busts in his likeness, which remain today.

Interestingly, Berwick House would pass through the female line for three generations, from Watson to Phillipps to Neale. The Angell-James family has preserved Berwick House for generations and is the same family that will open its doors for you today.

Black and white photo of an older man wearing a flat cap, smoking a pipe, dressed in a heavy coat and trousers, holding a large cartoonish key.

Berwick Through the Centuries

Interested in helping us digitise photographs and transcribe letters? Join us and our dedicated group of volunteers!

Berwick House 1875
Folliott Sandford Neale
Say cheese! At Berwick House
William and Gwen on Berwick's Drive
Folliott and Berwick Delight
The Shoot Gathering at Berwick House
Gwendolyn Neale on Berwick Oak Room Steps
Berwick House 1928
William Walter Graham Phillipps on Berwick's Sundial
Gwendolyn and mother Florence
Outside Berwick's Portico
Gwen with Jersey show cow, daughter MJ behind
Gwen and Folliott's wedding July 2 1929
MJ and mother Gwen
Gwen and William at Berwick
Gwen as a girl with doll
Gwendolyn and Folliott Neale
Gwendolyn on garden bench at Berwick
William and Gwen on Oak Room Steps
Gwen in Berwick's Kitchen Gardens
Motorgwen
A dining room decorated with white flowers and greenery, with a large floral arrangement on the table and a matching arrangement on a fireplace mantel. The room contains wooden chairs, glassware, and framed pictures on the wall, and has ornate rugs and classic decor.

EXPECT Opulence

Oak panelling, marble fireplaces, intricate stained glass, floor-to-ceiling windows, and high moulded ceilings award grandeur to every room.

Dine under crystal chandeliers in our magnificent and light-filled Drawing Room. Floor-to-ceiling windows spill light across the South front, leading you onto the terrace to overlook the rolling countryside, immaculate gardens, and River Severn.

A couple dressed in formal attire, walking hand in hand in an elegant, vintage-style living room with wooden paneling, a chandelier, and classic decor, including a fireplace, plants, and decorative items.

Grab a cocktail from the Oak Room Bar and mosey next door for a quiet moment in the Georgian Library, facing splendid views of the Italianate Hardy Garden.

An elegant billiard room with a green pool table, large windows overlooking greenery, a velvet tufted sofa, a marble fireplace, and framed artwork on crimson walls.

Put your Snooker skills to the test on our original mohagany table, purchased by James Watson in 1890.

It’s the centrepiece of our dedicated Billiard Room: the perfect place for Groomsmen to exercise some nerves, or for night owls to play the evening away.

An elegant wedding ceremony setup in a bright, ornate room with high windows, a chandelier, chairs arranged on either side of a central aisle, and a floral arch at the front.

Make yourselves at home and use our luxurious rooms in any way you dream.

Cosy up with family and friends alongside an open fire in our lavish Dining Room surrounded by hand carved oak, ancient arms, and crown moulding.

Black and white surreal collage of a man in a suit riding a large bird with detailed feathers, long tail, and bird head replaced by a realistic bird's head.

CREATIVITY AT ITS CORE

Berwick House is a blank canvas location and no two experiences are ever the same.

You are free to choose your own entertainment, caterers, florists, and more to plan an occasion that is uniquely you.

Whether it be a civilised sit down meal or a sumptuous, lavish party, the floor is all yours!