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.
The history of the hotel is closely tied to the village of Crudwell itself, which has been recorded for over a thousand years.
The name of the village has changed many times over the centuries. Historic records show:
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.
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.
