Nailcote Hall Brief History Nailcote Hall, Berkswell, one of the small 'stately homes' of England, was built in 1640 just before the start of the English Civil War and it is believed that the Berkswell Church nearby is one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in England. We believe 'Nailcote' to be derived from the Norman French word for armourer, and that the first owner may have been given a grant of land for services rendered during reign of the Conquest. The name was still in use and is recorded during the reign of Edward III (1327-1377). During its long history, the house passed into other hands, mainly through marriage. The Lant family made it their home for some 300 years. The house was damaged during the English Civil War by troops of Cromwell's Army before the assault on Kenilworth Castle. A bill was sent to the Parliamentarians and they paid up! When restoration work was carried out in the recent years, a priest hole was discovered between the breakfast room, now the Oak Room restaurant and the hall. Priest holes were a common feature in houses of this age because of religious persecution in the 16th and 17th Centuries. In 1780 the house was altered and the Georgian wing was added. In 1984 the hall was opened as a restaurant and won its guide listings in 1985. In 1989 a new extension to the hotel was opened giving 20 bedrooms, plus a new function room and library. In 1991 the house was bought by the present owner, Rick Cressman and in 1993 work began to add a new leisure complex to the old wall garden area. Building mainly below ground, the development provides Mediterranean Café Bar and night club, a 14 metre swimming pool, solarium and steam room plus a further 20 bedrooms overlooking the extensive grounds which includes a championship golf course, two all weather tennis courts and croquet lawn. Commemorative gifts and souvenirs* are available at the hotel's reception. To see a full list of our commemorative items, please click here. Related stories and press releases * Subject to availability.