History of Dunfield House

The Dunfield House story is a historical honeycomb of various tales starting from the reign of Charles 1st to the present day. From inquisitions to wedding feasts, to shrouded meetings of wartime goliaths to the (possible) birth of the Baskerville hound!

We’ll take you through changing structures of the house and grounds through its transitional years, and introduce you to the various owners and visitors along the way. History is everything, from bricks and mortar to blood and bone: footprints in the dust, handprints on the glass, voices in the air and stories in the stone.

Even though very little is known of the beginning and formative years of Dunfield House, we have over 400 years of history below for you to explore… 

The Power of the Crown - The 1500's

It is forty-nine years after the Reformation of the Church of England under the reign of Henry VIII. To be precise it is 1586 and political and religious storm clouds loom heavy over the country.

It is now the Reign of Queen Elizabeth 1 and there are political tensions surrounding the Church of England and Catholicism. Queen Mary tried in vain to convert England to Catholicism, which is now considered a threat to the Monarchy.

An inquisition takes place into the ownership of Dunfield House and due to his Christian belief, the current owner of the house, William Shelly, is accused of committing treason. A spurious charge but one Shelly is helpless to oppose, the inquisitions are brutal mockeries and there is no council.

A fresh dawn rises over the grounds of Dunfield and with the appointment of a new tenant. The law has spoken: Dunfield becomes the property of the government and Queen Elizabeth 1st.

William Shelly was stripped of ownership until his death and it was only after his demise that justice was restored and Jane Lingen, Shelly’s wife, became the rightful owner of the house and the course of Dunfield’s history sets off on a new path.

Sanctum - A Haven From Turmoil in the 1600's

As we move into the 17th century, the reign of Queen Elizabeth 1st comes to an end with her death in 1603. As for Dunfield – or Downfield as it is known at this particular time in history – new tenants arrive as the Bull family take up occupancy.

Records are vague around this time and we know very few details about the family. However, what we do know is that George Bull went on to become the Bishop of St David’s and would live in Brecon at the Bishop’s Palace. Also, the Rev. D.J. Bull, a member of the same family, became the rector of Presteigne.

The Bull family and Dunfield itself survived one of the most turbulent and wretched passengers of history ever recorded. As Queen Elizabeth 1st dies, a sinister and malicious beast appears and creeps over the land, it has no pity and swathes a path across England – it is The Plague!

As if the reap of the plague is not enough, in 1642, the English Civil War breaks out. The conflict between Charles 1st and parliament over Irish insurrection sees nine, long, blood-soaked years of conflict between Roundheads and Cavaliers. England is no longer such a green and pleasant land.

With ravenous disease and the tumult of war dominating this era, Dunfield tucked under the apron of Bradnor Hill, remains relatively unscathed and immune from the brutality and confusion that slowly suffocates the country. Dunfield, in her uncorrupted sanctuary, lets the pale horse of destruction ride by.

A Quiet Century - The 1700's

Time marches on. We have now reached the 1700’s.

The 1700’s are quite vague concerning the history of Dunfield. We do know that in 1730, a Mr Price purchased Dunfield House from the Bull family, but very little is known about this gentleman and his family… or even if he had a family. These were not exactly halcyon days, but they were relatively quieter times; that insidious destroyer – The Plague, was no longer prevalent in Britain, and ironically the turmoil of war had actually strengthened the British state at home.

For the first half of the 18th century, the country was actually free of war on the continent and we were a relatively solvent land with agriculture the main bedrock of the economy and trade increasing at a healthy rate.

However, the wealth of the country was unequally distributed and the writer Daniel Defoe illuminated this very well in his 7 different categories of prosperity.

  1. The great who live profusely.
  2. The rich who live plentifully.
  3. The middle sort who live well.
  4. The working trades who labour hard but feel no want.
  5. The country people, farmers etc, who fare indifferently.
  6. The poor who fare hard.
  7. The miserable that really pinch and suffer want

Around these times in Herefordshire not everybody had a chicken in every pot, and we do not know which category Mr Price of Dunfield came under in Defoe’s logic (most likely 2 or 3 )… but Dunfield survived. Whoever our ambiguous tenant was, he kept the continuity of both the house and the estate functional and steadfast. God bless you sir!

By 1756, war had once again broken out with France; disputes between old enemies are never far away. However, the small market town of Kington, and of course Dunfield, were immune from these great political squabbles. The crops were gathered, apples turned to cider, cattle were bred, fed and slaughtered. The rural life that surrounded Dunfield carried on regardless.

A Handsome Gothic Residence - The 1800's

It is the century of change – It is the age of the Victorian, Dunfield is advertised as a Handsome Gothic Residence!

The country is radically changing- structurally, politically, scientifically, and spiritually. There is also a dark side to this time with the prominence of poverty and starvation, the stench of the slums and the inhumanity of workhouses. But we also see the birth of great technology and communication and for now, our Empire rules under the steely reign of Queen Victoria, Empress of India.

It is a wondrous age of invention and imagination with everything from the telephone to the typewriter springing up with great writers such as Elizabeth Browning, Oscar Wilde, the Bronte sisters and of course…..Dickens, enchant and entertain with their brilliance. Dunfield amid her estate is also ready to change!

In 1804, Rev. D. J. Bull, a member of the Bull family who lived at Dunfield dies. In 1825, Marianne Miles, who never married, lives with her mother at Dunfield. Around this time, the remains of the 17th-century timber-framed building form the nucleus of the present-day house. In the early days, the house could be rented for a ‘knight’s fee’ – a unit of measure of land deemed sufficient to support a knight for 112 old pennies a year. Today that is roughly equivalent of 47 pence! Dunfield – always a bargain!

Then, fifteen years after the battle of Waterloo, Dunfield is purchased (around 1830) by Mr Henry Miles. The house at this time was called “Downfield”. But now, Henry Miles goes to work! He totally enlarges and improves the existing building. The internal walls are constructed of stone, wattle and daub and latterly lathe and plaster, with the roof being covered in new slates. Dunfield House is finally getting the makeover she deserves.

It seems Henry Miles owned a benevolent heart – on one occasion at least. It is recounted that while he was riding home on January 1st, he encountered a large group of poor and aged travellers and generously supplied them with a piece of beef, a loaf of bread and a quantity of prime soup. It seems the good nature of the house as it is today was rooted in kindness even then.

The daughter of Henry Miles, Georgina, was married at Dunfield in a lavish ceremony and weddings continued to be part of Dunfield from then on.

In 1865 Henry Miles died aged 71, amassing an estate of more than 1200 acres, worth around £13.5 million in today’s money.

Monkey puzzle trees lined the drive up to the house, there were lawns, shrubberies, orchards, parkland with fishponds, streams, and waterfalls. Grapes, exotic fruits and flowers grew in the greenhouses and in 1898 the house was available to rent with 14 acres of shooting rights, 15 acres of grounds, 15 family and servant rooms, 3 reception rooms, a study and a library, 16 store stables and a schoolroom!

Dunfield was advertised as a ‘handsome and commodious gothic residence commanding magnificent over hill and woodland’. There was a Gatekeepers Lodge with the house and Dunfield Cottage, which was built at the end of the lane was used as the gardener’s cottage. Thereafter, Mrs, Ann E. Miles, Lady of the Manor, and Marianne, her daughter were in residence along with two servants, Anne Phillips, and Eliza Turner. On the 22nd July 1876 Ann Eliza Miles died aged 81 years. After her mother’s death, Marianne moved away from the area.

The 8th April 1881 census for Downfield showed it was unoccupied. The Gatekeepers Lodge, however, remained occupied by John Tippens and his family.

By 1890 Dunfield was the property of Rev. H. Miles, who then leased it to Mrs Evans. Fredrick Elvens (aged 23) a ‘Butler’ and Elizabeth Davies (aged 43) a ‘Housemaid’ were in residence.

The Gatekeeper Lodge also had in residence – Thomas Miles (age 35) a ‘Coachman’ and his wife Sarah (age 32). In 1895, Dunfield House is let unfurnished by Rev. H. Miles, who wished to live closer to London and his furniture business in Bond Street, London and tenant, Edward James Evans moves in.

As we gradually move forward to the 20th century, Dunfield House and all that surrounds her story and life begin’s to take on a new, more expedient shape and fresh tenants will carry her development forward.

Unquiet Slumbers... 1900 - 1933

We have now reached the year 1900, and the beginning of a century that encapsulates the excellence and brutality of mankind. Throughout this period, Dunfield re-establishes herself with renovation, innovation, and even a dose of wartime intrigue. But most of all, after an unsettling period in the early part of the century, Dunfield House will finally discover her true calling.

In the year 1900, a Mr Godfrey Biggs became tenant at Dunfield up until 1909, when Major. Charles E.E. Halstead JP and his two daughters, Evelyn S. and Mary become the new tenants.

In 1913, Kelly’s Dictionary lists Henry Arthur Hugh Miles as a principal landowner and in 1914 he becomes the owner of Dunfield with the Major and his daughters remaining as tenants. However, on the 28th of September 1922, the Major and his family suddenly up and leave Dunfield. Before his hasty departure, an auction is held at the house where he sells off, amongst other things, his surplus furniture, hunting gear, luggage carts, outdoor equipment, garden effects and various other household items.

So, as we know, up to now the house has thrived with a mixture of various tenants. However, with the Major gone, a grim interruption in Dunfield’s calendar awaits. Inexplicably, after the departure of the fleeing Major… the house falls silent. A rare cessation occurs in her existence; no resident claims Dunfield House for seven years! A cloak of solitude envelopes her and one can barely imagine what becomes of a charismatic house like Dunfield without the presence of human voices within and the grounds left to thrive wild.

We have now reached the year 1900, and the beginning of a century that encapsulates the excellence and brutality of mankind. Throughout this period, Dunfield re-establishes herself with renovation, innovation, and even a dose of wartime intrigue. But most of all, after an unsettling period in the early part of the century, Dunfield House will finally discover her true calling.

In the year 1900, a Mr Godfrey Biggs became tenant at Dunfield up until 1909, when Major. Charles E.E. Halstead JP and his two daughters, Evelyn S. and Mary become the new tenants.

In 1913, Kelly’s Dictionary lists Henry Arthur Hugh Miles as a principal landowner and in 1914 he becomes the owner of Dunfield with the Major and his daughters remaining as tenants. However, on the 28th of September 1922, the Major and his family suddenly up and leave Dunfield. Before his hasty departure, an auction is held at the house where he sells off, amongst other things, his surplus furniture, hunting gear, luggage carts, outdoor equipment, garden effects and various other household items.

The lake at Dunfield House during the early 1900's
The lake at Dunfield during the early 1900's

So, as we know, up to now the house has thrived with a mixture of various tenants. However, with the Major gone, a grim interruption in Dunfield’s calendar awaits. Inexplicably, after the departure of the fleeing Major… the house falls silent. A rare cessation occurs in her existence; no resident claims Dunfield House for seven years! A cloak of solitude envelopes her and one can barely imagine what becomes of a charismatic house like Dunfield without the presence of human voices within and the grounds left to thrive wild.

This is not a pleasant tranquillity. The heart of the house is in restless slumber. Her doors closed on empty rooms and a numbed silence in the air. For seven, long, years, she remains undisturbed. Hot suns and bladed frosts begin to rupture her frame. For now, she is paused in time. A defiant lull. She is not resting or sleeping… she is waiting. And in 1929… her wait ends.

On the 10th October 1929, Dunfield House is purchased by Phyllis Bromage, wife of James Vincent Bennett Raikes Bromage of Thorpe Hall, Barnard Castle, Yorkshire… for the grand sum of £3,450!

The property consisted of “A Mansion House called Dunfield, with gardens, stables, outbuildings, grounds, two lodges and pieces of land thereunto adjoining or belonging site in the Township of Lower Harpton and Parish of Old Radnor in the County of Hereford”. There is a possibility that James Vincent Bromage may have retired from the Indian Civil Service.

On the 29th November 1929, a mortgage in the amount of £3,500 is taken out by Phyllis Bromage.

On the 25th September 1933, supplies of water from Hollywell and Bradnor are disconnected to Dunfield House by Phyllis Bromage. However, special measures were taken to ensure that sufficient water flowed into the pool areas to maintain the fish and allow the Bromage boys to spend their leisurely, Summer afternoons punting on the lake.

Dunfield House starts to take shape again… but ominous clouds lie ahead as the rise of war begins…

New Horizons - 1939 to the present day

1939 to 1940’s

  • From 1939 to 1945 – The House was requisitioned by the War Office and the Bromages went to live in Dunfield Cottage at the end of the lane. British officers were garrisoned in the meadow where there was a firing range. Later American officers were housed at Dunfield and there is a rumour that they were possibly Black officers, as racial segregation was much in evidence.

    Towards the end of the war when D Day was being planned it was general knowledge, but never confirmed, that Winston Churchill came and stayed at Dunfield to attend high-level planning for D Day. General Patton was seen in the area and stayed at Huntington Manor and rumour has it that General Eisenhower attended the meeting. One anecdote is that a canteen of cutlery was bought to present to Churchill and was placed in Dunfield House safe. Upon retrieving it the safe door became immovable and the wall at the back of the House had to be broken down to get to it.

    Dunfield was one of the places that would be used for returning injured servicemen of higher ranks. There was a Military Hospital in Kington for the normal foot soldiers.

    In 1941 James Vincent Bennett Raikes Bromage owned Dunfield House. On the 8th December 1941 – Dunfield House was given to Phyllis Bromage by her husband, James Vincent Bromage as a deed of gift.

  • 30th December 1946 – Mrs Phyllis Bromage, now divorced, sold Dunfield House to Col. Robert Jebb Few of Coneyherst-on-the-Hill, Ewhurst, Surrey for £4,500. According to Irene Watkins of Dunfield Farm, Col. Few was responsible for electricity being installed at Dunfield House and also at Dunfield Farm.

The 1950s

  • 20th July 1950 – R.J.Few took out a mortgage with Edith Ruth Phyllis Pateshall of Allensmore Court, Hereford in the sum of £3,000, which was paid in full by October 1952.
  • 1st July 1958 – R.J.Few as Landlord leased Dunfield to Mis Iris Emily Poole of 24 Bryngwyn Road, Newport, who became his tenant. Col. R.J.Few moved to Bircher Court, Titley.

The 1960’s

  • 8th April 1960 – Miss Iris Emily Poole was declared bankrupt at Leominster County Court and Col.R.J.Few would take possession of the House again. The Pooles – mother, two sons and a daughter – had tried to run the house as a Country Guest Hotel but it had proved unfruitful.

    Miss Iris Poole married Peter Bigg, a farmer at Gladestry. Mrs Poole went to live with her older brother. Iris (the daughter) and Bobby, her younger brother, stayed on in the house for a little while longer.

  • 16th December 1963 – Col. Robert Jebb Few sold Dunfield House to Albert Edward Burns of Portland, Madley, Herefordshire for an amount of £7,500.
  • 1960 – (Dates still to be established) – Mrs Irene Watkins of Dunfield Farm gave the following information: About this time three people came to live at Dunfield House. They were Mrs Frodsham and Mr and Mrs Smith. Mrs Frodsham came from Manchester. Mr Smith was a Wool Grader and Book Dealer at Lyonshall.

    He stored the books in what is now the Chapel. Mrs Smith and Mrs Frodsham decided to turn Dunfield into a Guest House with the advertising logo ‘Guest House with a difference’. Weekly terms for 5 guineas included all modern conveniences, hot and cold water in bedrooms, spring mattresses, electric fires, central heating, excellent cuisine, separate tables and farm produce.

    For your 5 guineas, you also had a garage for your car, golfing and fishing. Their commitment to customer service included ‘your comfort and satisfaction – our first consideration’.

  • 24th September 1965 – Dunfield House was sold by Albert Edward Burns to William Henry Isaac, Arthur Mayne and John Franklin Schofield. The House became the property of the Reorganised Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, in time to be known as The Community of Christ. It was developed into a Conference Centre for the use of Church members and other organisations.

    William G. Coates and his wife Mary became the first Managers and moved in on Saturday October 9th. Community of Christ groups start their Dunfield story. Dudley and Walsall Youth Service – first community group.

  • 1966 – Recreation Hall purchased in sections and transported from Wiltshire by Doug Young’s coal lorries. Harry Black directed the first Reunion.

  • 1967 – The Recreation Hall completed. The first Overseas Youth Service Corps arrived.

  • 1969 – Children’s Holiday Camps started with children coming from Herefordshire.

The 1970’s

  • 27th April 1971 – Bill & Mary, their son Christopher and daughter Sue lived in the House until a cottage was prepared for them. They had previously lived in what is now the office, dining room 2 and 3 and the pantry at different times from 1965-71.
  • 1975 – Outdoor Swimming Pool is completed on the site of the cottage gardens. Mews (Stables) upgrade – showers, toilets and 3 bedrooms.

The 1980’s

  • 2nd August 1980 – Dunfield House Dedication Service held.
  • 1982/33 – Contract for major Stables conversion given to Ernist Deacon, a local firm from Kington.
  • 1985 – Work on Stables completed. Recreation Hall granted Permanent Building Status.

The 1990’s

  • 1994 – Indoor Swimming Pool opened. Fred Crane appointed Manager of Dunfield.
  • 1995 – Bill and Mary Coates retire after 30 years service. Community of Christ retreats started.
  • 1997 – First Adult Rally held at Dunfield.
  • 1998 – Adventure Playground built.
  • 1999 – Legal structure of the board revised. The Dunfield Charity and Dunfield House Limited commenced trading on 1st April.

The 2000’s

During this period of time; the glass window is created in the chapel, the first Eurotribe is held, Fred and Helen Crane move back to Leicester, while Barbara Woodhouse manages Dunfield on an interim period, and then in 2005, Sue and Paul Norton are appointed the new Managers of Dunfield.

Final development of the Stables building and installation of a state of the art Biomass Boiler are just a couple of the projects, amongst many, Sue and Paul have undertaken whilst managing Dunfield. Their dedication and hard work over the years has seen Dunfield thrive.

After 15 years at Dunfield, Sue and Paul retired and Dunfield passed-on to Alison and Daniel Hawthorne, who took on the role of managing Dunfield in 2021. Along with their two boys, Owen and Adam, Alison and Daniel lived on site and managed Dunfield up until April 2022. 

This brings us up to the current management team of Nicole, Sally and Mike. Nicole Kinsey runs Dunfield as the Operation’s Manager with the support of Sally Leitch as Business Manager and Mike Byrne as Estate Manager. These three managers have worked in each role at Dunfield over the years, as a centre assistant, cook, head cook and now their role as managers. Each have a love and committment for their role and this special place as we move onto the next step of Dunfield’s historical journey.

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We hope you’ve enjoyed our distilled embrace of Dunfield’s diverse history and survival, it’s undeniable rise to present day glory and it’s passionate declaration of ‘how good the world can be’ that is imprinted in everything it does.