Chance to rent Shropshire home in Georgian residence linked to notorious highwayman
Fancy living in the former servants’ quarters of a prominent 18th century country residence?
The Old Laundry at the imposing Hardwick Hall, near Ellesmere, in the North Shropshire Lakeland, has links to a famous family and notorious 15th century Shropshire highwayman, Wild Humphrey Kynaston.
And it is now available to let for £3,250 per calendar month through estate agent Halls.
Hardwick Hall is a grand, early Georgian house with Grade II status, built on a fresh site in 1720 by John Kynaston, who bought the estate in 1693. A descendant of the Kynaston family still lives in the Hall.
Wild Humphrey was born at the original Hall on the estate in around 1468.
He was the second son of Sir Roger Kynaston, High Sheriff of Shropshire and Constable Keeper of Myddle Castle and Lady Elizabeth Grey, granddaughter of Humphrey Plantagenet, Duke of Gloucester.
Descended from Bleddyn ap Cynfyn, King of Gwynedd and Powys, Wild Humphrey became Constable Keeper of Myddle Castle on his father’s death but, due to his riotous lifestyle, fell into debt.
Wild Humphrey brought shame on the family when he was declared an outlaw in 1491 for his part in the murder of John Hughes in Church Stretton.
Legend has it that he lived a Robin Hood type lifestyle, robbing the wealthy and giving to the poor, whilst he lived in a cave at Nesscliffe. It is said Wild Humphrey was supported “by the rich through fear, and the poor through gratitude”.
The cave can still be seen and forms a part of Shropshire Council’s Nesscliffe Hill.
Later pardoned by Henry VIII, Wild Humphrey is believed to have died in the cave and requested in his will of 1534 to be buried in St Mary’s Church, Welshpool.
Boasting a wealth of original features, The Old Laundry offers spacious living accommodation and spectacular views over the surrounding country estate.
The ground floor includes a cinema and snooker room, large sitting room, dining room, entrance hallway, boot room, downstairs shower room and WC, large kitchen with integrated electrical appliances, back kitchen, large game larder, snug and coat room.
An impressive oak staircase leads to the first floor where there are five bedrooms, including an en-suite master bedroom with fantastic views and two family bathrooms.
The Old Laundry is located close to the historic market town of Ellesmere which has a good range of shopping, recreational and educational facilities, while the meres at Colemere and Whitemere provide sailing opportunities as well as being among some of the many picturesque countryside walks available in the area.
Viewing is by appointment with Halls’ Ellesmere office manager Sean Edwards on 01691 622602.
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