Built / Designed For: Thomas Dolman

House & Family History: Shaw House, the largest Elizabethan mansion in Berkshire, was completed in 1581 for Thomas Dolman, a very successful clothier. The red brick, gabled house with an E-front contains no surviving Elizabethan interiors; the rooms are all of the late 17th century and first half of the 18th century. The center of the house contains a fine 18th century arcade, as well as many 18th century stone fireplaces. Shaw served as a school in the 1980s; the house is today owned by the local authority, who have converted it into a wedding/conference venue, with offices for the council. Shaw House was used as the headquarters of Charles I in 1644 during the Second Battle of Newbury.

Collections: The contents of Shaw House were auctioned on June 5, 1888 by Lumley's Auctioneers.

Country Life: XXVIII, 328 plan, 1910.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: Thomas Dolman, 16th century. James Brydges, 1st Duke of Chandos, 18th century. James Pettit Andrews, 18th century.

Current Ownership Type: Government

Primary Current Ownership Use: Mixed Use

Ownership Details: Shaw House is owned and managed by West Berkshire Council and used as a conference/wedding venue and as offices for the council.

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01635-279-279

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.westberkshireheritage.org

Historic Houses Member: Yes