BeulalandBlog : The country mansion where Charles De Gaulle trained Free French soldiers

The historic Grade II listed country house is set over approximately 20,000 sq ft and comes complete with numerous outbuildings including its very own cottage

The country house was used by Charles De Gaulle to train French soldiers ahead of the D-Day landings.

Ribbesford House in Bewdley, Worcestershire, was also used by the British and American military during the Second World War.

The historic Grade II-listed mansion goes back to the mid-16th century. It is set over three storeys with two octagonal towers at the rear. The mansion has 20,000 square feet, with numerous outbuildings, a cottage and set in vast leafy grounds.

As the Second World War raged on, French president Charles De Gaulle chose the home as the headquarters for his Free French officer cadets

The sprawling 8.15-acre estate was first mentioned in documents in the Anglo Saxon Charter early in the 11th century. This states that Wulstan, Bishop of Worcester, had handed it over to his sister.

The place was later seized by invading forces during the Danish conquest, before being regained by the Monks, who then surrendered it to Turstin, a Fleming.

In 1074, the estate was presented to Ralph de Mortimer, who resided at Wigmore Castle in Leominster, Herefordshire, and it remained in his family for hundreds of years.

In the early 17th century, it was passed on to Edward Lord Herbert of Cherbury, before coming under the ownership of Sir Henry Herbert, who acted as Master of the Revels for King Charles I and II.