Salopian Club and SSPA private tour of Berwick House

Members of the Salopian community enjoyed a magical evening at Berwick House owned by Will Angell-James (R 2009-14)

The tour was led by Kassidy Angell-James who met Will at university in America. They took on the house shortly after they got married following the untimely death of Will’s father. Seven years later it is a stunning events venue with a wonderful history and atmosphere. Everyone loved hearing Kassidy, who is originally from Florida, talking about the project and the generations of Will’s family who have owned the house.

There was a house on the site from the 18^th century, but it was Will’s great-great-great grandfather James Watson who rebuilt and extended the footprint into what we see today.

James Watson made his money as a cheesemonger but some canny investments in the USA meant he was wealthy enough to build a house to host large parties and balls for society’s elite. He bought Berwick in 1871 and spent four years refurbishing it with elaborate work panelling, huge windows and stained glass work.

Berwick was designed for large events and works perfectly as a wedding and party venue with 18 beautifully decorated bedrooms rooms.

There isn’t an army of servants to keep the house running like clockwork any more and Will and Kassidy have worked incredibly hard to get to where they are now. They employ 20 staff and their reputation is growing nationally as well as in Shropshire.

Interestingly the house has always passed down through the female line- Kassidy and Will are expecting a baby in May and yes, it is a girl!