Built around 1300 it has fortunately retained its structural character and many of the elm beams, once covered in ancient plaster, have been exposed creating the historical atmosphere inside and out. During the Napoleonic wars, the Birdcage housed French prisoners who incidentally founded the local Masons. In fact, for many years it was used as a holding house for petty thieves and criminals, even lepers on the upper floors! Of course stories handed down from generation to generation have only enhanced its eerie reputation of being haunted by some of these troubled souls!