Their connection with the Tudors

The Nanfans are especially remembered because of their close links with the Tudor court.

The best-known member was Sir Richard Nanfan (c.1445–1507), who served Henry VII faithfully. He held important offices including Treasurer (or Deputy) of Calais, England's last major possession in France.

Sir Richard is remembered in history because he gave information to Henry VII concerning the Yorkist supporter Sir James Tyrell. During Tyrell's interrogation, a confession emerged claiming responsibility for the murder of the Princes in the Tower. Historians still debate how reliable that confession was, but Sir Richard Nanfan played a significant role in the events leading to it.

Cardinal Wolsey

One of the most intriguing traditions surrounding Birtsmorton is its association with Thomas Wolsey.

According to long-standing tradition, the young Thomas Wolsey first attracted royal attention through Sir Richard Nanfan, who introduced him to Henry VII. Whether every detail is accurate is debated, but the connection was firmly believed by later generations. Today, Birtsmorton Court still contains the so-called "Wolsey Room", stained glass bearing his initials, and an ancient tree traditionally linked with him.

Later generations

Notable members included:

fFamily remained influential into the 17th century.

Notable members included:

     •     Bridges Nanfan (1623–1704), MP for Worcestershire and Worcester.

     •     John Nanfan, born at Birtsmorton, who later became Acting Governor of the Province of New York between 1701 and 1702.

The end of the family at Birtsmorton•

          Bridges Nanfan (1623–1704), MP for Worcestershire and Worcester.

When Bridges Nanfan died in 1704, his only surviving heir was his daughter Catherine Nanfan. Through her marriages, the estate passed into other families, including the Coote family (Earls of Bellomont). Eventually the manor was sold outside the family later in the 18th century.

The Nanfan tombs

If you visit St Peter and St Paul Church beside the Court, you'll find several impressive Nanfan monuments and memorials. These provide an excellent record of the family's rise and their importance in Worcestershire society.

The famous "Curse of the Nanfans"

Birtsmorton also has one of Worcestershire's best-known legends.

According to local folklore, a dispute between a Nanfan and monks from Little Malvern Priory over grazing rights on Raggedstone Hill led to a monk placing a curse on the family. It was said that whenever the shadow of Raggedstone Hill reached Birtsmorton Court, the eldest Nanfan heir would die within a year. There is no historical evidence that the curse was real, but it has been part of local folklore for centuries.

Nanfan family tree (1425–1704) showing the main generations who owned Birtsmorton Court, together with their connections to Henry VII, Cardinal Wolsey and the Bellomont family.

The Nanfan family were one of the most important gentry families in the Welsh Marches during the late medieval and Tudor periods. Although they originated in Cornwall, they became firmly associated with Birtsmorton Court, which they owned for around 300 years, from the 1420s until the early 18th century.

How the Nanfans came to Birtsmorton

The manor of Birtsmorton had passed through several earlier families before Sir John Nanfan acquired it around 1424–25. He transformed what had been an earlier manor into much of the impressive moated house that survives today. Much of the medieval building visible today dates from his rebuilding programme.

The family became one of Worcestershire's leading landed families, serving as sheriffs, MPs, soldiers and royal officials.