King Charles I's Civil War HQ opens four new rooms

Visitors to a council-owned Grade I Elizabethan mansion can visit four new themed rooms that have been opened to the public.

Shaw House in Newbury was built in 1581 and was once King Charles I's headquarters during the English Civil War. Now it is used for weddings, conferences, events and performance rehearsals.

West Berkshire Council, which owns the house, has opened its Tudor Oak Room, Queen Anne Drawing Room, Georgian Parlour and Edwardian Bedroom to the public to represent its varied history.

Nigel Foot, the council's executive member for leisure, sport and countryside, said the house is one of the borough's "most treasured heritage sites".

"We're incredibly proud to showcase four centuries of stories, craftsmanship and character, and to enhance the gardens and facilities for everyone to enjoy," he said.

"Whether you're a regular visitor or discovering Shaw House for the first time, there has never been a better time to explore this wonderful place."

The house's original contents were sold off in 1905 so the building could be used as a school.

It was cleared again in 1945 to turn it into a conference and events venue.

It was first listed in 1952 and work in its Tudor Garden was completed last year.

Other work to replicate gardens depicted in Country Life magazine in 1910 will be completed soon and a new accessible playground is planned for the summer.