The Baddesley Clinton Church lies hidden in the very heart of Warwickshire, like a jewel. And has a 15th century chancel with old timbers in its black and white roof, a 15th century nave with its original roof and clerestory, and a tower with a turret stairway and eight gargoyles. Note the chimney on the roof close to the tower which was built 400 years ago by Nicholas Brome ‘in remorse having killed a priest; all who come walk over his dust’, as he was buried in an upright position in the doorway as you enter, see last photo (I moved the mat)..... and we see him as he was in the 16th century glass of the east window, the greatest treasure in the church. In the middle of this window, glowing with red, blue and gold, are members of the great families here, with scenes of the Crucifixion, St George and the dragon, and Catherine with her wheel. Kneeling below them is the armoured figure of Nicholas Brome the tower builder, and facing him is Sir Edward Ferrers with his wife Bridget. In the top corner of the window kneels another Edward Ferrers with three sons facing his wife and five daughters. There is a 17th century screen and an ancient chest, and in the chancel a big canopied altar tomb, richly red and brightly painted. Here in 1535 they laid Sir Edward Ferrers, the first of 12 generations who were carried from the manor house to this last resting place.
Almost hidden by trees is the house, with a wide moat that may have been there since Norman times and is crossed by a bridge about 250 years old. As gracious a house as we could wish to find in Old England, it has venerable walls and an embattled gate tower with all charm the Tudor builders could give them, mullioned windows, Timbered gables, and tall brick chimneys. There is a 15th century tower and a magnificent oak door enriched with linenfold (Straight mouldings in the form of folded linen) studded with nails, still on the ponderous hinges on which it has been swinging to and fro for 500 years. The hall has windows glowing with shields, and one of the possessions of the house is the 16thcentury brass portrait of a lady (Elizabeth Brome) in a heraldic mantle.
In the days when the Roman Catholics were being persecuted by the Protestants many priests found a safe hiding place in a little room below the level of the moat, for the Ferrers were staunch Catholics. The story is told that the priest hunters arrived while a conference was meeting here and six priests were saved by rushing to hide.
But of all the Ferrers who lived there the most notable was Henry, lord of the manor for 70 years he wrote verses much praised in Elizabeth's day. A man of great culture and a notable antiquarian, he was born in 1549 and was the friend of Sir William Dugdale and old William Camden, entertaining them in his beautiful home and helping them with their histories.
Nice engraving of Baddesley Clinton Hall
