King John’s Palace (Langley Farmhouse)

King John’s Palace is a Grade II* former royal hunting lodge on the edge of Shipton Downs near the former Leafield Radio Station. Once used by monarchs after hunting in the Forest of Wychwood, then a major royal hunting ground, it hosted as many as ten kings and queens between 1204 and 1614.

King John, who it is said built a tiny ‘Palace’ at Langley by enlarging the already present building, was first recorded here in 1204, using Langley as an annexe to the Palace at Woodstock. Edward I later visited in 1281 and granted the manor and forest rights at Langley to his mother, Eleanor.

After the Black Death devastated the Langlee family in 1362, the lodge fell into disrepair. It was rebuilt by Henry VII, who married Edward’s daughter Elizabeth thus joining the white and red roses of the houses of York and Lancaster, which became the badge of Tudor Regality. Henry had the floriated initials H and E carved above the window at the top of the stairs leading up to what is known as The Queen’s room and these can be seen today, alongside Tudor features such as fireplaces, stone doorways, and historic windows.

Henry VIII, a keen hunter, frequently stayed at Langley. Records show him gambling there in 1532 and bringing Anne Boleyn to the lodge during one visit. Princess Mary (later Mary I) visited in 1543, and Princess Elizabeth (later Elizabeth I) passed through in 1554 and again as queen in 1574. James I stayed in 1605 and 1614, attracted by the hunting in Wychwood Forest.

The lodge eventually declined during the upheavals of the 17th century, and most of it was demolished in 1690. Historical records suggest it was once a large complex with multiple courtyards, royal lodgings, and numerous hearths.

In 1983 the Greves family purchased the farm from the Crown and restored the neglected property, modernising the house while preserving its historic character and connection to England’s royal past.

To book a tour of the house, please click here