Visit to Stanbridge Earls Manor and grounds

Led by local historian, Phoebe Merrick, we will have an introductory talk, see the historic building and have a guided walk of the grounds and lakes. This will be followed by afternoon tea in the Bistro or, if the weather is clement, on their terrace.

Stanbridge Earls is a Tudor building that has been home to a number of distinguished people over the centuries. There is evidence that the building of the house commenced at the end of the 14^th century. In 1520 a private chapel was established within the house, and two years later the Bishop of Winchester granted a licence for mass to be held there. When workmen were making repairs to the building in the mid-twentieth century, skeletons were found under  its floor. This room is now used as the dining room by the retirement complex recently built on-site. The present porch bears the date 1685. In the 18^th century the house was owned by the somewhat eccentric Fifield family who let it degenerate. One of the later Fifields would not allow any timber to be cut from the estate, even when it was desperately needed for repairs to the house. Subsequently the estate passed through the hands of owners who looked after it and did much to restore the house, including Florence Nightingale’s father.

Date: Monday 13 May 2024
Time: Please arrive in time for a prompt 2.00pm start
Booking: Tour of Stanbridge Earls Manor
Price: £15 to include afternoon tea of sandwiches and cake
Numbers:  20 places available
Travel & Parking:  Stanbridge Earls Manor is situated between Awbridge and Romsey. Post code SO51 ODW, approximately 30 minutes’ drive from the centre of Salisbury.  Parking is available in the Visitors Car Park
Car Share:  Please contact Patrick Carmody – carmodyconsultants@gmail.com