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Summary

Grade II listed mid 19th century country house within an older estate

Associated Legal Designations or Protected Status

• Listed Building (II) 1117236: WORMSTALL

Monument Type(s):

• COUNTRY HOUSE (Mid to Late 19th century - 1868 AD? to 1868 AD)

Full Description

The country house named Wormstall is in Welford parish in the 21st century, although the parish boundaries have changed as it is listed under Kintbury in the Victoria County History <1> and Gelling's survey <2>. The name Worm Stall is marked by four schematic buildings around a square yard on Rocque's map <3> and Gelling gives the meaning as a place where cattle could obtain shelter from flies <2>. A earlier surname 'Wormestall' documented in the 16th century, and linked to St Bartholomew's School in Newbury, is probably derived from this place. Henry Wormestall gave money for a chantry, and a charity in Lambourn also had a house and land known as Wormstalls.

The listed building is described as mid 19th century and of Italianate appearance <4>. A sale catalogue of the estate in 1909 <5> gives details and images of the associated buildings and 155 acres of land as well as the house with 'large hall, four lofty reception rooms and 19 bed and dressing rooms'. It appears to have been a grander replacement for the earlier house, and was built around 1868 <7>. The local architect James Money was responsible for the redesign <9>.

West Berkshire Museum has photographs showing the house and grounds in the early 20th century <8>.

Sources and further reading

Related Monuments

Associated Excavations and Fieldwork

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