The Entrance Facade
The Garden Facade
House & Family History: Looking today at the perfect Georgian house that is Iscoyd, set within its tree-studded rural landscape Park, it's hard to imagine the place's existence in the Second World War, when the Park was requisitioned for use as a 1,500-bed hospital for United States Forces, with a prisoner-of-war camp located alongside. After the War, Iscoyd served as Polish Hospital No. 4, a 200-bed hospital that was part of the resettlement of Polish fighters who fought with the Allies during World War II. It wasn't until 1957 that the Park was handed back and restoration could even be contemplated. Yet, aside from this recent impact of world affairs, Iscoyd has always had a rich history. In the 14th century the Estate was owned by the heirs of Iorweth Voel, Lord of Maelor Saesneg. It then passed by marriage to the Royden family of Holt, near Chester, while in the 17th century the Jennings family were seated here. In 1737 William Hanmer, who had married the Jennings heiress of Gopsal, Leicestershire, built the front part of the House as it now stands. The Rev. Richard Congreve acquired Iscoyd by purchase in 1780, and the place was again sold in 1843. The 19th century purchaser was Philip Lake Godsal, the son of the leading coachmaker of his day, who added on the portico and dining room. His son and successor, Philip William Godsal, was responsible for the bow to the drawing room in 1876, which was designed by the Shrewsbury architect Samuel Pountney Smith. Today, Iscoyd is the vibrant family home of Philip Langley Godsal, his wife Susie, and their children, who moved here in September 2009. (We are most grateful to Gareth Williams for this history of Iscoyd).
Architect: Samuel Pountney Smith
Date: 1876
Title: Georgian: The Magazine of the Georgian Group, The
Author: NA
Year Published: NA
Reference: January 2002, pg. 3
Publisher: London: The Georgian Group
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Magazine
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Current Seat / Home of: Philip and Susie Godsal; Godsal family here since the 19th century.
Past Seat / Home of: Royden family, 16th century. Jennings family, 17th century. William Hanmer, 18th century. The Rev. Richard Congreve, late 18th century. Philip Lake Godsal, 19th century.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01948-780-785
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.iscoydpark.com
Awards: Available as a wedding venue and for corporate events.
Historic Houses Member: No