Jessop House is the oldest house in Tewkesbury with parts dating back to 1186. It is one of four houses constructed when the world famous Tewkesbury Abbey was built. It is Dr Jessop's house in the book John Halifax Gentleman by Dinah Craik. Upon entering through the front door you are stepping back in time onto an original cotswold stone floor, worn in parts where the butler stood to allow the gentry to enter the house, a magnificent Georgian staircase leads to four spacious light bedrooms, one being the original Georgian sitting room with its elegant fireplace and beautiful plaster-work adorning the ceiling. Many of the original features of the house have been retained including glorious fireplaces, one being an original delpt fireplace with hand painted tiles dating back three hundred years. To the rear of Jessop House the medieval staircase leads to four well appointed bedrooms. Notice the priest holes in the wall leading to the first floor landing. The front cellar of Jessop House had a connecting tunnel to the Abbey, through which the monks could escape to the river in times of danger.

Tewkesbury a medieval town famous for the Battle of Tewkesbury during the War of the Roses. The largest re-enactment in the world is held in the second week in July to commemorate the battle. Tewkesbury’s alleys, a picturesque feature of the town, were created shortly after the Norman Conquest as a result of thwarted passion – a story in itself. These, together with the medieval houses and the two rivers (with the “Ham” between them), are affectionately and amusingly described in John Moore’s novel “Portrait of Elmbury”. Tewkesbury is the gateway to the Cotswolds is set in beautiful “Heart of England” countryside, only one mile from Junction 9 of the M5, and three miles from Junction 1 of the M50, Tewkesbury is an unrivalled centre for touring Shakespeare country, the Malverns, elegant Cheltenham with its exclusive shops, famous racecourse and festivals of art, literature and music, the Cotswolds (an area of outstanding natural beauty), Winchcombe (the 9th century capital of Mercia), “Roman” Cirencester and Bath, the Wye Valley, Forest of Dean and so many more delightful places, all rich in recreational, cultural and sporting facilities.