Oliver Cromwell ‘war plot’ property for sale

An historic house where Oliver Cromwell plotted a key Civil War battle has gone on the market with an £800,000 price tag.

Cromwell and his right-hand man General Sir Thomas Fairfax met at the Grade-II listed Wickham Court in Bristol on the eve of the New Model Army’s attack on the city.

Just hours later, the Parliamentarians launched a vicious raid prompting weeks of bloody fighting which left hundreds of people dead and ended one of the Civil War’s longest sieges.

The 17th century house holds few clues to the pivotal role it played – but does boast rubble facades and detailed carvings from the period.

Situated in a quiet cul-de-sac, the property has six-bedrooms complete with huge oak ceiling beams.

With views out over a large walled garden and the picturesque River Frome, the spacious stone-built home includes a study, sitting room with a beautiful terrace and a drawing room.

It is being marketed by estate agents Hamptons after its owners restored the building under the guidance of English Heritage experts.

In an online listing for the home, estate agents said: “Wickham Court is an historic and important early 17th century former court.

“Grade II listed, it displays a plethora of period charm typical of this building period and house of historic note.

“Wickham Court is historically important as Oliver Cromwell and General Fairfax are believed to have held council in the rooms in 1645 before their march to Bristol.

“Deep rubble facades and detailed period carvings throughout provide a charming and spacious entertaining area.

“It has generous entertaining spaces as well as cellars and utilities.

“The house is beheld only to its own spectacular grounds approaching some ¾ of an acre which is a rare find for a city house.

“The grounds are walled and split into a number of sections and enjoy a peaceful surrounding backing on to maintained woodland to the rear of the house.”

A blue plaque on the side of the house records the fateful meeting on the evening of September 10, 1645.

Before the Autumn night attack, the people of Bristol and surrounding towns had endured months of hunger and hardship after Fairfax and his troops cut off supplies to Royalist soldiers.

At 2am on the morning after the meeting, two cannon shots boomed out over the city to give the signal to attack.

After days of fierce fighting, Prince Rupert was eventually forced to sign a treaty of surrender – a victory which cost the loves of around 200 of his own soldiers and wounded 400 more.