Shaw House, Newbury

Shaw House is an outstanding example of Elizabethan domestic architecture, built in 1581 by Thomas Dolman, a wealthy clothier. The timber-framed house with its distinctive stepped gables and mullioned windows represents the prosperity of Newbury during the wool and cloth trade era. Located on the outskirts of Newbury, the house stands as a testament to Tudor-era craftsmanship and the town's historical importance.

The house holds particular significance in English Civil War history. During the First Battle of Newbury in 1643, Shaw House became a stronghold. Its walls still bear musket-ball scars from the conflict, visible reminders of the fighting that raged around Newbury. Today visitors can explore the rooms, see period furnishings, and learn how the house was defended during the Civil War period through displays and interpretation.

Shaw House is now in the care of English Heritage and operates as a museum accessible to the public. Its gardens and surrounding grounds provide context for understanding life in Elizabethan Berkshire. The house offers an intimate window into both Tudor domestic life and the turbulent events of the 17th century, making it a rewarding destination for history enthusiasts and architecture lovers alike.