[3] The name derives from the original builder named Morisceby, Mawriceby or Moricebi as early as 1150, when the Rosmerta Cottage was built using a spiral stone staircase believed to be from an original stone pele tower that preceded the property.

[2] The adjacent church is on the site of a Roman fort named Gabrosentum, the earth banks of which can still be seen.

The wealthy Moresby family owned the estate for centuries during medieval times and had contacts with English royalty.

Christopher de Moresby fought in the Battle of Agincourt and was knighted by King Henry V, and Anne, his great-granddaughter who was sole heiress of the estate, saw her fiancé Sir Francis Weston executed by King Henry VIII along with Queen Anne Boleyn.

[4][2] During this period it underwent some changes by architect Inigo Jones around 1620 and later between 1670 and 1690, by either William Thackery or Edward Addison.