The History of Nailcote Hall

Nailcote Hall is a small English stately home, built in 1640 just before the start of the English Civil War. Its name is believed to be derived from the Norman French word for armourer. It is thought the land may have been granted to the first owner for assistance given during the conquest of William the Conqueror in the eleventh century. The house was damaged during the English Civil War by Cromwell’s troops before the assault on Kenilworth Castle. A bill was sent to the Parliamentarians which, perhaps surprisingly, was paid. During its long history, the house passed into other hands, mainly through marriage. The Lant family made it their home for some 300 years. Over the centuries the property has been restored and altered. When restoration work was carried out in the recent years, a priest hole was discovered between the breakfast room, now the Oak Room restaurant and the hall. In 1780 the house was altered and the Georgian wing was added.