History

Petwood Hotel - an unusual name but with an historic and interesting connection. The house was built at the start of the 1900's for Lady Weigall on a site she chose in the area of her favourite "pet wood".

The only child of Sir Blundell Maple, the furniture stores magnate, Lady Weigall and her husband Sir Archibald Weigall lived at the Petwood for many years.

In 1933 the Petwood first opened as a hotel, with Peggy and John Flury as the hoteliers.

During 1934 the East wing was destroyed by fire, which was believed to have been started by a clothes iron. When it was rebuilt, it was enlarged and central heating installed.

During the Second World War the hotel was requisitioned by the RAF and in 1943 it became the officers mess for 617 Squadron - the famous 'Dambusters'. Today the Squadron Bar is dedicated to this famous group of men.