Ravenwood Inn: A Brief History

Ravenwood Inn, built in the late 1800s, has served travellers for over a century. Located in the rolling hills of the Cotswolds, England, the inn sits on the edge of the Ashford Estate, a historic landholding owned by a family with long-standing influence in the region.

The Harrow family has run the inn since its founding, with each generation—led primarily by the women—taking charge of operations. While male family members played supportive roles, the Harrow women consistently guided the inn through routine and challenging times, an unusual tradition for the era.

Much of the inn’s original layout remains intact, including its central courtyard, once used for coaches and stables. Though the estate has changed hands over the years, the Ashfords still own key parcels of land surrounding Ravenwood, maintaining their presence in the local community.

The Harrow Matriarchs

Beatrice Harrow (Margaret’s Great-Grandmother)

Born: 1900

Beatrice was the first Harrow woman to run Ravenwood Inn, turning it into a welcoming place for travellers and a central part of the local community. Known for her meticulous nature and calm demeanour, she kept the inn running smoothly while quietly preserving its more mysterious history.

Lillian Harrow (Margaret’s Grandmother)

Born: 1937

Lillian took over the inn at a time of change, skilfully blending old traditions with the demands of a new era. Her warm hospitality and forward-thinking approach made Ravenwood Inn a cherished spot.

Edith Harrow (Margaret’s Mother)

Born: 1960

Practical and determined, Edith dedicated herself to keeping the inn in top shape. She was a hands-on manager who valued hard work and tradition, but beneath her no-nonsense exterior was a curiosity about the stories hidden within the inn’s walls—stories she sometimes wondered if she should investigate further.

Margaret Harrow (Present-Day Innkeeper)

Born: 1985

Margaret is the latest in the line of Harrow women to take on the responsibility of Ravenwood Inn. Juggling the pressures of modern hospitality with the weight of family expectations, she strives to keep the inn running while honouring its rich history—and perhaps uncovering some of its long-held secrets.