Ralph Ardern inherited the manor of Barcheston between 1382 (the death of his father, Henry de Ardern) and 1408 (the death of his mother).[4] Whether or not he was ever resident is unknown. The first English tapestry factory was the Sheldon looms, established here in Warwickshire by William Sheldon about the middle of the 16th century. The Sheldon tapestries produced here compare well with the finest contemporary Flemish weavings. Some of these consisted of large tapestry maps of English counties.[5] An outline of Barcheston's history can be found in the Victoria County History, Warwickshire.[6]