A Brief History

There is evidence of 5000 years of history at Pengersick, going back to the Bronze Age. The original family possessed of these lands, settled here in the 12th century. They took their name from the place. The outline of their extensive residence and associated village settlement, chapel and garden has been identified through archaeological evidence and geophysical survey. The Pengersicks were amongst the most notorious families in the county and their exploits have given rise to the numerous legends associated with the name. It does appear that fate has always taken a hand in the destiny of those who have resided here. Plague and pestilence resulted in a break in the direct inheritance during the 15th century. A dynastic marriage of the surviving heiress resulted in the creation of a magnificent, fortified Tudor dwelling. It is the dual tower complex of this, which survives today. Its spacious newel stair is one of the best to be found anywhere in the country.

The Aims of the Owner

The Present

The property still remains in private hands and is only open by appointment. It is our endeavour to preserve its magic and mystery without modern encroachments. To this end a charge of £5 per person is made (for young children, who must be accompanied by a responsible adult, entry is free). Included is a tour of the tower, grounds and recently developed Resource Centre where the many facets of Pengersick's history are on show. A member of the family or staff will host your tour and provide a comprehensive, historical background.

The Future

The grounds, completely undisturbed until recent years, are being developed to unveil the many aspects of horticulture, which must have taken place through the ages. These begin with the planting of an oak grove, beloved of the Druids in earliest times. The reconstruction of a Mediaeval Garden is now complete and a Knot Garden in the Tudor style now links the period of the Middle Ages with that of more recent times. We hope that fate will look kindly on our tenure of Pengersick and that a visit will enable you to share something of its Magic and Mystery.