Where Gunpowder Plotters were Maimed and Captured

For the failed plotters of 1605, a damp powder problem became a catalyst for disaster. They had taken supplies from Warwick Castle on 6 November and weapons and gunpowder from Hewell Grange on 7 November, but the powder became damp in the rain.

After the failure of the plot, the fugitives took shelter in Holbeche House, owned by Stephen Lyttelton. To dry the powder, they laid it out in front of the fire where it was ignited by a stray spark, maiming several of the men. By noon the next day, 8 November 1605, the house was surrounded by a posse led by Richard Walsh, the Sheriff of Worcestershire. Most of the plotters were either killed or wounded in the ensuing fight.

The survivors were taken to London and later tried and executed. Today, some walls still have holes from muskets used in the storming of the house. The building, which features a central block with Dutch gables and original wood panelling, was added to the Historic England Heritage At Risk Register.

In 2022, the house became derelict and was boarded up. While locals campaigned for the National Trust to open the house for visitors in 2023, the Trust stated it would not take over the running of the building.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons