Britain is famed for its historic houses and cottages, some of which date back centuries.
If you buy a period property, you know it will have quirks, character and wonky bits. However, these structures take the notion of wonkiness to a whole new level – who knows how they're still standing?
The wonkiest houses in Britain
The Crooked House, Himley, Staffordshire
Perhaps Britain's most famous wonky house, The Crooked House in Staffordshire owes its title to years of severe subsidence. Sadly, the building – once a pub – burnt down in suspicious circumstances in 2023 and was then demolished. In keeping with its quirkiness, the interior of the inn boasted several optical illusions, including bottles rolling uphill along its dado rails.
But the fire might not be the end of the story as in 2024 South Staffordshire Council demanded the landowner to reinstate the building as it was before demolition - however this decision has been appealed against.
The Crooked House of Windsor, Windsor, Berkshire
Windsor's iconic Crooked House, which has quite a good lean on it, wouldn't be out of place in a Harry Potter film. Found on the corner of Market Street and Church Street in the town centre, the building dates to the late 17th century. It owes its wonky angle to being built from unseasoned green oak wood, which, says the Welcome to Windsor website, subsequently buckled as it dried.
The Crooked House, Lavenham, Suffolk
Was this house the inspiration for the nursery rhyme Crooked House? According to its website, it was built in 1395 as part of a grand hall house for a wealthy wool merchant, welcoming visitors such as King Richard II, Queen Elizabeth I and even John Lennon. Book a tour to learn all about this building's fascinating 600-year history.
House of the Golden Key, Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
How safe would you feel walking under this building, with its undeniable forward tilt? It looks like it's destined to topple! The traditional black-and-white house is from the 16th century, but has the 17th century to thank for its unstable look, for it was then that, during a bid to heighten the building, a break in the ridge piece occurred, causing the structure to slip forward.
Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire
Little Moreton Hall in Cheshire is one of the UK's finest timber-framed, moated manor houses. However, look closer at its south side and you will see it appears to be a little on the wonky side, collapsing slowly under its own weight. According to the National Trust, this is because the entire south wing has little or no foundation.
"Iron-tie rods were inserted at the end of the 19th century as a further precaution against collapse and it is suggested that the heavily decorated fireplace in the Upper Porch Room, just off the Long Gallery, is the only true vertical in the house," says the National Trust.
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