A VENUE STEEPED IN HISTORY

The King Charles House is one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in Worcester. It was built in 1577 by Richard Durant (a wealthy brewer) and still keeps its orignial infrastructure from the day it was built - including the famous 'eubliette', otherwise known as the dungeon!

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Other than Charles II escape from Cromwell's forces into exile, it was also the site of a dungeon where Judge William Berkeley (born in the building in 1684) kept the accused who were awaiting trial. Anyone found guilty would have been executed outside the Corn Exchange!

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The upper floor is supposedly where the King's bedchamber was located where he held council to his officers.

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King Charles House is a Grade II* three storey listed building. It was formerly listed Cornmarket No. 5 King Charles House, which is now 29 New Street. The front bay of the building was rebuilt back in 1670 as to annexe no 4 and 5 Cornmarket for a Richard Durant and William Blagden. 

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Originally the house went around the corner, but in the 18th century, the corner was replaced with a new house and shop - 4 Cornmarket / 30 New Street.

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On the corner of the Cornmarket and New Street stood the most important house in this part of the city. Now called King Charles House, at the time of the Civil War Mr Edward Durant, Richard's grandson, was the owner and it was he who acted as host to Prince Charles when he made the house his headquarters in 1651.

 

It was a fortunate choice for the future king, for after the disastrous battle the house offered the only possible exit out of the city. Tradition has it that the Parliamentary troopers arrived at the front door as Charles left by the small back enterance through the city walls, and mounted his horse. With Lord Wilmot he rode across the fields along the path now called Sansome Walk, to Barbourne Brook where, feeling themselves safe for a while, they paused to consider which road to take. They decided on the Ombersley Road and to make for the crossing of the Severn. So began one of the greatest escapes in British history to mainland Europe.

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Over the years, the building has enjoyed a colourful and varied past. As well as the obvious histrotical connection with King Charles II, the building has also previously been used as a guest house, judges residence, an antique shop, furniture shop as well as a fancy gastro restaurant.