Venue Type & Location
Overview
Set in extensive grounds 1.5 miles SW of Bromsgrove, just to the W of the A38.
The original house, remodelled in the 16th c., was largely destroyed by a fire in the early 18th c. It was rebuilt in the 1860s.
The house is brown brick with ashlar dressings and some stone facing on a sandstone base. The range projecting S from the W end of the main range and most of the main range are of the 1860s.
Current Status
History of the Venue
1374 Ralph Stafford, 2nd son of Sir John Stafford of Bramshall, Staffordshire, acquires Grafton Manor via marriage to Maud, daughter and coheir of Sir John Hastang of Leamington Hastang, Warwickshire and Grafton. [Roskell et al]
1486 Manor granted to Sir Gilbert Talbot after the execution of Sir Humphrey Stafford for rebelling against Henry VII.
1530s called by Leland 'a goodly howse by Bramsgrove market.'
1567 John Talbot modernized the house, giving it the existing porch and the south window of the upper parlour. John Talbot was imprisoned in or near London from 1580--1597/8 [CP XI 717 note b] as a recusant; his wife lived at Grafton.
1710 Grafton destroyed by fire, except for the chapel and entrance hall.
1860s Rebuilt (together with the S wing) by David Brandon.
1934 Sold by the Chetwynd--Talbot family to Alfred Murray-Willis.
ca. 1945 Grafton becomes the residence of the Morris family, who now run it as a restaurant and hotel.
Patrons who owned this venue
| Name | Date | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Talbot, Gilbert | 1451-1517 | Knight |
| Talbot, Gilbert | 1451-1517 | Knight of the Garter |
| Talbot, Gilbert | 1479-1542 | Knight |
| Talbot, John | 0-1550 | Knight |