15th-Century Home Once Owned by an English King for Sale at £550,000
Blagraves, a Grade I-listed home in Barnard Castle, County Durham, was built before 1482 and was once owned by Richard III. Later, it served as an inn where Oliver Cromwell reportedly stayed. It remains the oldest residence in Barnard Castle and the second-oldest building in town after the medieval castle itself.
Barnard Castle is a historic market town named after its 12th-century Norman fortress, later owned by Richard III. Known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, antique shops, and the Bowes Museum—a renowned art and history museum housed in a grand 19th-century chateau—the town offers a strong sense of history. Surrounded by the North Pennines and Yorkshire Dales, it provides access to some of England’s most striking countryside.
Blagraves has a long and varied history beyond its royal origins. In 1725, fishmonger William Tomlinson purchased the house for £125 and one shilling, adding 17th- and 18th-century architectural details. The attic later became a secret meeting place for followers of John Wesley, a founder of Methodism. Over the next two centuries, the building served as a pub, bakery, shoemaker’s workshop, and coal merchant’s home before being converted into apartments in 1921.
After World War II, Blagraves became a ‘House of Mystery’ museum run by Victor Walton, who added minstrel figures to the house’s frontage—four of which remain today. It was later renamed Cromwell House, with a suit of armour displayed outside, reinforcing its historical connections.
Spanning 5,398 sq. ft., Blagraves blends historical significance with modern adaptability. The ground floor, previously a café and antiques shop, offers commercial potential, while the upper levels house three to four bedrooms. Original features include 17th-century bay windows, Tudor plasterwork, 18th-century staircases, and period fireplaces.
The property also includes a courtyard garden and a deep cellar with a 36-ft well. A planning application is currently in progress to create a studio annexe. Located in Barnard Castle’s antiques district, the property offers both residential and business opportunities in a town rich with heritage.
All photos belong to the listing agency.