+441666 815060

Historical Facts

Did you know?
Pettifers Hotel, formerly Mayfield House, has only been a hotel since 1965. Before that, from 1889 to 1965, the building was home to the Pettifer family, who ran a renowned veterinary practice here. They not only treated animals but also invented and distributed medicines for common and difficult-to-treat illnesses.

The 1911 Kelly’s Directory records the occupants as:
“Pettifer, Stephen and Son, veterinary chemists to H. M. the King; manufacturers of veterinary chemicals, sheep dips etc.”

The Pettifer family held a Royal Warrant from 1911 for Santovin, a worm drench for sheep. The restaurant today was originally a stable, where animals were kept while under treatment.

This family connection to veterinary medicine continues in memory through Julian Pettifer, the naturalist and television journalist, who spent his childhood here at Mayfield House.

Event

The Village of Crudwell

The history of the hotel is closely tied to the village of Crudwell itself, which has been recorded for over a thousand years.

  • The earliest known reference to Crudwell appears in 854, when King Ethelwulf granted Malmesbury Abbey 10 hides of land here (a hide being about 120 acres, though local variants existed).

  • At that time, Malmesbury Abbey held vast estates of around 23,000 acres within the Malmesbury Hundred (a collection of local parishes).

  • The Abbey retained its Crudwell estate until it was seized during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 by order of Henry VIII.

  • In 1544, the Crown granted Crudwell Manor to John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. The manorial complex was located on Eastcourt Road, where the remains of the medieval tithe barn still stand today.

  • Crudwell also has a notable 12th-century parish church, likely of Saxon origin, which remains a centrepiece of the village.

The Name “Crudwell”

The name of the village has changed many times over the centuries. Historic records show:

  • Croddewell (854)

  • Cruddwell (901)

  • Creddewilla (1065)

  • Croudewelle (1300)

  • Curdwell (1599)

  • Cradwell (1809)

  • Crudwell (modern usage)

The most likely derivation is Creoda’s spring or well. Creoda was a 6th-century King of Mercia, said to have been killed in battle in this area. The well, by tradition, is located between the Manor Farmhouse and the Tithe Barn in Crudwell.

Pettifers Hotel: From Practice to Hospitality

  • From 1889 to 1965, Mayfield House was home to the Pettifer family veterinary chemists.

  • In 1911, the business was recognised with a Royal Warrant, supplying Santovin sheep drench to His Majesty the King.

  • The restaurant was originally the stable block for animals receiving treatment.

  • Julian Pettifer, naturalist and television journalist, grew up here, extending the family’s long-standing association with animals.

  • Since 1965, Mayfield House has been a hotel, continuing to welcome guests while preserving its unique heritage.

Why Our History Matters

For guests today, a stay at Pettifers Hotel offers more than comfort and charm in the Cotswolds — it’s an opportunity to experience a building with a fascinating story. From royal veterinary warrants to the ancient legacy of Crudwell village, our history is part of what makes Pettifers such a memorable place to stay.

Event

Our top 10 “did you know” historical facts 

  1. ​The earliest reference to the village of Crudwell was made in 854. The records of the ancient Malmesbury Abbey show that in 854 King Ethelwulf gave the abbey 10 hides at Crudwell (a hide being 120 acres or local variant).
  2. In those days Malmesbury Abbey held a vast estate of around 23,000 acres within the Malmesbury Hundred (the collection of local parishes). The Abbey retained its Crudwell estate until the dissolution by Henry VIII in 1539.
  3. In 1544 the Crown granted Crudwell Manor to John de Vere, Earl of Oxford. The Manorial Complex was located in Eastcourt Road where the remains of the Medieval Tithe Barn still stands today. The village also boasts a fine 12th Century Church which is probably of Saxon origin.
  4. The name of the village has changed much over the years. In 854 it was known as Croddewell and became Cruddwell (901), Creddewilla (1065), Croudewelle (1300), Curdwell (1599), Cradwell (1809) and eventually Crudwell.
  5. The likely derivation of the name Crudwell is Creoda’s spring or well. Creoda was a 6th Century King of Mercia who was killed in battle in this district. The well, by tradition, is the one lying between the Manor Farmhouse and the Tithe Barn.
  6. The Mayfield House has been a hotel since 1965. From 1889 to 1965 it had an entirely different use.  The 1911 Kelly’s Directory lists the occupants as:
  7. ‘Pettifer, Stephen and Son, veterinary chemists to H. M. the King; manufacturers of veterinary chemicals, sheep dips etc.’
  8. The Pettifer family actually produced veterinary medicines at the Mayfield House. From 1911 the family held a Royal Warrant for Santovin, a worm drench for sheep.
  9. The restaurant was originally a stable for holding the animals under treatment. 
  10. Julian Pettifer, the famous Naturalist and Television Journalist, enjoyed his childhood at the Mayfield House and has continued the family links with animals.

Get Updates And Stay Connected -Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Luxury Real Estate

Pettifers

Contact Information

Contact Information

arrow