Wisson Hill

I have owned Wisson Hill, a sixteenth century farmhouse in Warwickshire, England, for 20 years. In that time I have learned how to carry out decoration and maintenance using traditional lime-based materials. Working with skilled craftsmen I have developed an appreciation of the structure of this Tudor house, and the clues that can tell us how it was altered over time by the families who lived here. I have learned to carry out documentary research, using the fantastic records at Shakespeare Birthplace Trust and Warwickshire County Records Office, as well as online resources, such as the National Archives. I have called in the experts when required, including Historic England, Dr. Nat Alcock (https://warwick.academia.edu/natalcock) who carried out research into the house's owners, Dr. Andy Moir on dendrochronology (https://www.tree-ring.co.uk/contact.htm) and I have worked closely with Conservation Officers at Warwickshire District Council. Local detectorists have helped me broadly identify the small finds unearthed during restoration. After 20 years I am still finding new clues and surprises at Wisson Hill. Friends and family have regularly asked for tours of the house and updates on finds, so I am looking forward to sharing insights with history fans who come to Wisson Hill on holiday. Amanda Billingsley