Building record 1017/0/14 - Shuckburgh House

Probably late 17th century and mid 18th century. The rear wing is probably a fragment of the original Shuckburgh House where Cromwell is reputed to have stayed before the Battle of Naseby

{1} House. Probably late C17 and mid C18. Chequered brick façade and squared coursed lias has gables with slate roof. Originally 2-unit plan. 2 storeys with attic. 3-window range of sashes with glazing bars at first floor under gauged brick arches with keyblocks. Ground floor opening has French doors. Ashlar gable parapets. Four C20 dormers, brick and stone stacks at ends. First floor windows have shutters. C20 porch to left. Parallel wing to rear probably late C17. Squared coursed lias. Casement windows some with wood lintels. Interior has some chamfered beams, collar roof trusses with section of panelling attached; reset from elsewhere. The rear wing is probably a fragment of the original Shuckburgh House where Cromwell is reputed to have stayed before the Battle of Naseby.

{3} "One story concerned a 9ft long, heavy, oak table that was known as the Cromwell Table. Originally it came from the kitchen of Shuckburgh House, facing the church. The night before the battle [of Naseby], some 30 troopers of Prince Rupert's rearguard were sitting round the table and had just got to the meat course when Cromwell's cavalry leader, Ireton, with some troopers, galloped into Naseby and surprised the Royalists, who had not posted any sentries or lookouts.
Others were playing quoits at the village inn. Those at supper were immediately captured. Those outside seized swords and firelocks and fought a fierce skirmish around the church, several being killed.
The few that escaped rode to the King at Lubbenham, caused him him to turn south and fight at Naseby. Iretons men sat down at the table and finished the meal that was left.
From Shuckborough House, the table was moved to the Fitzgerald Arms, where it was a popular attraction. From there it was transferred to Holdenby House, before being sent, by Lord Annaly, back to Naseby and the parish reading room. It is now in the parish church."

{4} An examination of the cellar, located below the northernmost bay revealed a moulded stone mullioned window on the west facing elevation and buried externally. Although largely concealed it is likely that the moulding is concave. The central mullion is largely concealed and therefore, cannot be commented upon. The presence of this window is puzzling as it is unclear as to why such a window would have been used in the cellar; it is likely to indicate a more complex history for the building.

{6} Undated photo;

<1> Clews Architects, 1980s, Database for Listing of Historic Buildings of Special Architectural Interest: Northamptonshire, 5/158 (Digital archive). SNN102353.

<2> List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest ("Greenback"), G02 (unchecked) (Catalogue). SNN44900.

<3> Burman A., 2004, One Historic Day, (unchecked) (Article). SNN104678.

<4> Richards, G., 2016, An Archaeological Standing Building Survey of Shuckburgh House & Outbuildings, Church Street, Naseby, Northamptonshire, December 2016, p.9 (Report). SNN110733.

<5> Horne, B (editor), 2016, South Midlands Archaeology (46), p. 31 (Journal). SNN111326.

<6> Photographs of buildings in Naseby (Photographs). SNN112852.

Record last edited

Jan 5 2022 12:49PM