Built / Designed For: 2nd Viscount Carrington

House & Family History: Wootton has a long history of ownership by Catholic recusant families and was very likely a refuge and center for Catholics during the years the religion was outlawed in England. During this time there was a chapel in the dining room, while the west wing was probably used as accommodation for covert priests. And, though there does not appear to be evidence of their existence today, it would seem likely that there were once priest holes in the house. In the 20th century rumors began circulating that Wootton was the home of Maria Fitzherbert, the famous (Catholic) Mrs. Fitzherbert who was the morganatic wife of King George IV; there is no proof that Mrs. Fitzherbert ever lived here.

Chapel & Church: A large Roman Catholic chapel was built behind the house in 1813.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. I, p. 22, 1854.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Francis Smith (Smyth), 2nd Viscount Carrington, 17th century. Holford family. Dowager Lady Smythe, 19th century; Sir Joseph Smythe, 19th century. Mr. G.C.H. Hughes, early 20th century. Bill Allen, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: Flat Owners Company / Condo Association

Primary Current Ownership Use: Flats / Multi Family

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No