Whittington Court

Whittington Court is a small Tudor manor house with Jacobean and later additions, set in the rolling Cotswold countryside five miles east of Cheltenham. Believed to stand on the site of an earlier manor, the present house was probably begun by Richard Cotton of Carmarthen, with subsequent generations of the Cotton family adding to the property through the 16th and 17th centuries.

Explore the House and Textile Studio
Visitors can explore most of the main rooms, including the Dining Hall, the most complete part of the early house, with its four-centred arch chimneypiece dating from around 1590. The Library in the east wing features an elaborate Renaissance fireplace, and the massive oak staircase, dating from before 1637, includes a rare early dog gate and provides access to the first-floor east wing, originally conceived as a long gallery.

On the first floor at the north end of the long gallery, visitors can experience the textile design studio of the house’s owner, Jenny Stringer. This is a fully working studio where guests can observe every stage of block-printed textile creation, from the carving of designs to the final printing on cotton or linen. Many of the textiles produced here are for sale, and Jenny also teaches block printing workshops.

The house also boasts fine collections of furniture, including a trio of Regency library bookcases, along with glass, ceramics, textiles, minerals, fossils, Egyptian artefacts, and a selection of books including works from The Whittington Press.

Historic Grounds and Outbuildings
The estate includes a Grade II* Tithe Barn, built by Ralph Cotton in 1614, the Stables (also Grade II*), and the ancient St Bartholomew’s Church dating from the 12th century. The Tithe Barn hosted its first wedding in July 2021, and its 24-metre-long interior offers a beautiful, atmospheric blank canvas for bespoke celebrations. The barn sits within its own paddock and orchard, with an open-sided cart shed for a separate bar area and a dedicated car park.

A Living Heritage
Whether you are interested in history, architecture, textiles, gardens, or events, Whittington Court offers a rich, immersive experience of English country life across the Tudor, Jacobean, and Regency eras. Visitors leave with a unique insight into the Cotton family legacy, the creative world of Jenny Stringer’s textile studio, and the enduring charm of this historic Cotswold manor.