About
Moseley Old Hall is one of England's most historically significant Elizabethan farmhouses, forever linked to one of the most dramatic episodes in British royal history. It was here, in September 1651, that the fugitive King Charles II sought refuge following his catastrophic defeat at the Battle of Worcester — the final major engagement of the English Civil War. Hidden in a secret priest hole built into the floor of the house, Charles evaded Parliamentarian search parties for two days before making his escape to France, beginning nine years of exile before the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660.
The house itself is a remarkable survival, retaining much of its 17th-century character and atmosphere. Built in the late Elizabethan period and originally timber-framed before being encased in brick, Moseley Old Hall presents an intimate and surprisingly modest appearance for a property so laden with national significance. Walking through its low-beamed rooms and narrow passages, visitors can easily imagine the tension of those September days when the fate of the Stuart dynasty hung in the balance.
The National Trust has carefully preserved and interpreted the property to tell the full story of the Civil War period, the royalist network that sheltered the king, and the Catholic recusant families who risked everything to hide him. The Whitgreave family, owners of the hall at the time, exemplified the courage and faith of recusant Catholics who maintained secret chapels and priest holes throughout the period of religious persecution.
The garden at Moseley Old Hall has been recreated as a formal 17th-century knot garden based on designs from the period, providing a beautiful and historically authentic setting that complements the house perfectly. Planted with species known from the time of Charles II's visit, it is one of the most charming period gardens in the West Midlands.
Today the property offers a compelling journey into 17th-century England, bringing to life the human drama of civil war, religious conflict, and royal adventure through its authentic rooms, secret hiding places, and evocative collections of period furniture and objects.
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Plan Your Visit
⏱️ Recommended Visit Duration
📅 Best Times to Visit
💡 Visitor Tips
- Ask a room guide to show you the priest hole — it is easy to miss without knowing where to look, and the guides bring its history vividly to life.
- The property opens on limited days (Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday in season), so always check the National Trust website before visiting to confirm current opening days.
- Arrive early on weekends — the house can reach capacity and timed entry may be required. Wednesday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
- Moseley Old Hall is difficult to reach by public transport. Driving is strongly recommended. Combine with a visit to Boscobel House (8 miles) for a full Civil War escape route experience.
- Children are captivated by the priest hole and the story of the king hiding from soldiers. Pick up a family trail sheet at the entrance to keep young visitors engaged throughout.
- The nearby Boscobel House (English Heritage) tells the next chapter of Charles II's escape. Visiting both properties in one day makes for a memorable historical journey.
- The knot garden is particularly photogenic in summer when the planting is at its best. Low-level shots emphasising the geometric patterns work especially well.
- The historic building has uneven floors and low doorways. Sturdy, flat-soled shoes are recommended. Staff can advise on the most accessible route through the house.
Highlights
Discover the unique exhibits and collections at this museum.
Collections
The property contains 17th-century furniture, portraits, and domestic objects relating to the Whitgreave family and the royal escape. The collections include Civil War artefacts, religious objects, and personal items associated with Father John Huddleston. The garden collection comprises historically authentic plant species from the Stuart period.
The Escape of Charles II
The principal interpretive display telling the story of Charles II's flight after Worcester, his time at Moseley, and his eventual escape to France.
The Hidden House
Exploration of the priest hole, its construction, purpose, and use during the Elizabethan and Stuart periods of religious persecution.
Life in a Recusant Household
Displays on the Whitgreave family, Catholic recusancy, and everyday life at Moseley Old Hall in the 17th century.
The Knot Garden
Recreated formal 17th-century garden based on authentic period designs, planted with historically appropriate species.
Themes
Time Periods
Current Exhibitions
No current exhibitions. Please check the museum website for updates.