Originally built in two storeys to an irregular floor plan, substantial parts of the house have since been demolished and replaced and additional wings added.
[1] The house was built for Thomas Shirley in about 1576 and substantially enlarged by Edward Blore in the early 19th century.
[3] During the Second World War, the grounds were used as a camp by the 10th battalion Highland Light Infantry as they prepared for the Normandy landings.
[4] Since 1951 the house has been the base of Wilton Park, an executive agency of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office providing a global forum for strategic discussion.
The south chapel contains a brass dated 1426 to Sir John de Braose and the tombs of the Shirley family.