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. There were at least two priest holes, complete with secret passages, tunnels, and staircases connecting them within Wootton. And, in keeping with its long Catholic history, in the 19th century Wootton was the home of Maria Fitzherbert, the famous (Catholic) Mrs. Fitzherbert who was the morganatic wife of King George IV.

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. Maria Fitzherbert (wife of King George IV), 19th century. G.C.H. Hughes, early 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