The Panelled Room and Victorian Wing
The Panelled Room
The Panelled Room was originally the Master's 'parlour' or study.
Edward Cowper, who was Master between 1562 – 74 and again between 1580 – 1596, had it redecorated in 1588. His initials and the date carved can be seen on either side of the mantelpiece.
Hundreds of years later, the Panelled Room became a dining room. Between 1977 and 2002 it was even used as a doctor's consulting room, where GPs met their patients.
The Victorian Wing
In the Victorian period, The Master's House became a comfortable family home. A large extension was built onto the west wing between 1867 and 1870, giving the occupants more space.
The Master's House from 1892 to the present day
Between 1892 and 1909, The Master's House was home to Charles Maddison Green and his family. He was simultaneously Master of St Katherine's and Rector of St Michael and All Angels Church.
The Master's House had effectively become Ledbury's rectory, and it was known locally as 'The Deanery' at this time.
In 1941, The Master's House was requisitioned by the War Office for the Ministry of food and later ownership was transferred to the local authority. The Master's House was first recognised as a listed building in 1953.
The Master's House was used as offices and even as flats to provide homes for some people for a time, before serving as a doctor's surgery from 1977 to 2002.
In 2004, The Master's House listing was upgraded to II*, and following successful bids for funding, in 2013 work finally got underway to restore and preserve this unique building. Ledbury Library opened its doors to the public in March 2015.