If you are looking for a unique location for conferencing, seminars or meetings then Shaw House is the ideal venue to create an inspiring and productive environment.
We have nine stunning rooms, all with their own historic character, plenty of natural daylight and a restful ambience. We can arrange rooms for 2 to 100 delegates depending on your layout specification.
Our versatile and flexible approach to room hire ensures that our rates are highly competitive within the local area. We offer our customers hourly room rates which are inclusive of all technical facilities, without the restrictions of minimum hire periods and the extra expense of delegate day rates.
The Dolman Suite
The three rooms across the central range of the first floor form a suite. When Queen Anne stayed at the House in 1703 this suite would have been used as her state apartment where she slept, dressed and welcomed visitors.
Dolman 1
The largest of the suite and is a very versatile and popular space for large meetings, or those that need breakout areas.
Dolman 2
This is the central room of the state apartment and would probably have been Queen Anne’s bedchamber during her stay. Being at the centre of the House this room has fantastic views over the forecourt lawn.
Dolman 2 is a compact room often used as a breakout area. It has beautiful panelled walls and historic fireplace, this room is ideal for smaller and informal meetings.
Dolman 3
The last of the Dolman suite rooms, with original wall panelling finished with reproduction blue wash and a beautiful fireplace. This is a prestigious, medium-sized option for a meeting or conference.
Farquhar
This room is named after the Honorable Mrs. Farquhar, the owner of Shaw House from 1905–1935. It was used as one of the main chambers, furnished with expensive antique furniture and an oak four poster bed. Farquhar is an attractive oak-panelled room with magnificent dual aspect views of the Orangery and Great Lawns.
King Charles
There is a local legend that in 1644, during the Second Battle of Newbury, a musket ball was fired through the window which narrowly missed King Charles I. A plaque dating back to 1759 can be seen on the wall showing the area where the musket ball is said to have hit the panelling. King Charles is an oak-panelled room with a bay window and the oldest stone fireplace at Shaw House – it’s of a medium size and is a versatile space full of character and history.
Oak Room
The Oak Room has the most intact 1580’s interior in the House. First used as a family dining room and later, during the Edwardian era, known as the Gun Room. With it’s original features and characterful oak panelling this room is atmospheric and comfortable. This room is perfect for smaller meetings, training sessions or seminars.
Chandos Dining Room
Originally used as a parlour, this room has been decorated to recreate some of the original splendour of the ‘Chinese’ Dining Room created here in the 1730’s by the Duke of Chandos. Chandos Dining Room features reproduction silk papers on the walls, natural oak wood floors and a beautiful chandelier and is perfect for group working or seminars.
Great Hall
The Hall was symbolic of the status of Shaw House. It would have been at the centre of manorial life and hospitality, providing guests with a grand sense of arrival. Decorated with panelled walls, a stone floor, and natural lighting through large windows, the Hall is an impressive and prestigious space for larger conferences and meetings.
Pink and Rose Room
This room was home to Mrs. Farquhar’s housekeeper. During restoration original ‘Pink and Rose’ William Morris wallpaper was uncovered and a small sample can still be seen. This is a small but versatile room with comfortable seating and boardroom table. A flat screen TV is available with laptop connector for presentations.
With its central location and just a short walk from the train station, the West Berkshire Museum is a convenient venue for all manner of meetings, training sessions or community group events.
The museum is situated in the centre of Newbury and offers a meeting room for hire for up to 50 people or, if you are looking for a more relaxed setting, the café is available at certain times throughout the week.
For more information or to check availability please email museum@westberks.gov.uk