by Witley Court in Worcestershire is a ruined Italianate mansion, built in the 17th century and greatly expanded in the 19th century. In 1937 a major fire caused great damage, the estate was broken up and sold and the house was subsequently stripped of its remaining fittings and furnishings. Forty years of decay followed before the house and grounds were taken into the care of The Department of the Environment in 1972, and they are now in the care of English Heritage. It makes a spectacular ruin.
