 Between the 12th century and 1717 it was the seat of the ancient gentry family of Dowrish (originally "de Dowrish") which took its name from the estate where it had become established before the reign of King John (1199-1216), when it built a castle keep on the site.A 15th century gatehouse survives there today, next to the ancient mansion house.The arms of the Dowrish family were