The house was originally built in 1642 and most notably owned by John Howard between 1757 and until his death in 1790.

John Howard was an English philanthropist and social reformer who was influential in the later Enlightenment. His work laid the foundations and fundamental attitudes that underpin SEN provision today. He helped shift public thinking away from punishment and neglect towards care, dignity, and responsibility for vulnerable people – most notably in the prison system. His focus was on positive change for the individual and he believed society had a moral duty to protect and this principle aligns closely with SEN values; recognising that individuals have different needs and require support rather than blame and if they are to thrive.

John Howard's work contributed to broader 18th-19th century reform movements that later led to:

• Special Schools
• Rehabilitation programmes in prisons
• Child Protection Laws
• Improved mental health provision
• Educational differentiation

John Howard's philosophy echoes SEN principles with regards to fair treatment regardless of ability, individual assessment rather than one size fits all approaches, environments that promote wellbeing and advocacy for those without a voice. He argued that positive environments promote health and reform, and Therapeutic Schools apply this directly by creating predictable routines, safe emotional environments and therapeutic spaces integrated with learning.