Introduction:
Inside Robin Gibb’s Historic Prebendal House: The 800-Year Story Behind a Legendary Estate
The Prebendal House in Oxfordshire, long known as the home of Bee Gees singer Robin Gibb, stands as one of England’s most remarkable historic residences. With origins reaching back to the 12th century, the estate has passed through monastic hands, royal visitors, and finally into the realm of modern music history. Today, it remains a symbol of centuries-old heritage and the creative life Robin Gibb nurtured within its walls.
Located in Priest End, the property was originally built as a residence for the bishop of Lincoln’s prebender—a cleric tasked with managing church revenues. By the 13th century, it housed an order of prebendal monks and remained under church ownership until the early 19th century. Though the present structures date later, the estate is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, underscoring its longstanding importance.
Throughout its history, the Prebendal served as a backdrop to dramatic events. In 1431, it was the site where the decision was made to send Joan of Arc to trial, a pivotal moment confirmed in historical records. A century later, in 1533, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn stayed at the estate during their travels, adding to its royal legacy.
Following years of decay—partly caused by its once-surrounding moat—the property was purchased in 1836 by businessman Charles Stone, who restored it as a private residence. Today, it is listed as Grade II by Historic England, protecting its medieval stonework, timber framing, and architectural character.
The estate is not a single structure but a complex that includes a main house, a medieval chapel, an adjoining block, and a striking gatehouse often mistaken for the main residence. The grounds feature gardens, ancient oaks, a former moat, and access to the nearby River Thames.
Robin and Dwina Gibb purchased the property in 1983 after discovering it in Country Life magazine. Seeking a larger home for their growing family, they were immediately captivated by its history and scale. They restored the interior with the help of designers known for work at Windsor Castle, aiming to preserve the estate’s 16th-century character.
Over their 29 years at the Prebendal, the Gibbs raised their son, Robin-John, welcomed Robin’s brother Andy during his final days in 1988, and created music within the estate’s atmospheric rooms. Robin composed and recorded portions of his later work there, including the Titanic Requiem, completed shortly before his death in 2012.
The property’s storied past has also given rise to tales of paranormal activity—echoing footsteps, unexplained sounds, and sightings of a figure known locally as “John the Gardener.” While unverifiable, such stories contribute to the estate’s mystique.
As of 2025, the Prebendal remains in the Gibb family. Dwina continues to reside in the main house, while their son RJ occupies the lodge. With its layers of religious, royal, and musical history, the Prebendal stands as both a cherished home and a living monument to centuries of English heritage.