History lesson

Today we welcome Mary from Haygrove school who will be with us all week on work experience. In light of our school visitor we have decided to share with you a brief history of our beautiful wedding venue, Maunsel House and a couple of it's rooms.

In AD 1086 (Doomsday), the manor was called "Maunsel" being derived from the French meaning 'Sleeve of Land' and was granted to Count Eustace of Boulogne, kinsman of William the Conqueror.

At the time of Henry II, William De Erleigh granted Maunsel to Philip Arbalistarius as a dowry to his daughter Mabel on payment of two pig every Whitsuntide at his court of Durston. His son Philip married the daughter of Sir Hugh d'Auderville and and assumed the Surname of Maunsel.

The Slade family between 1172 and 1868 built two further wings of Maunsel, to the North and West. In more recent times, Sir Benjamin has undertaken an extensive restoration programme for both the house and the surrounding estate. This has included the buying back of various parts of land sold off by ancestors and returning the house to a befitting state.

THE BAR

The original part of the house, dating back to pre-1066, is the setting for our Bar. With it's flagstone floors, 14th century window and beamed ceiling you can really feel the weight of history on you. This room has the most magnificent fireplace which when lit enhances the lively and cosy atmosphere. Festooned with the Slade families collection of historical weaponry and sporting trophies this is the perfect room to relax with family and friends.

THE LIBRARY
For those wishing to relax or catch up with friends and relatives the library provides the perfect space to sit in Victorian Gothic splendour and comfort. This panelled room is dominated by the most magnificent stone fireplace that provides a wonderful focal point. This room is steeped in history that no one can ignore, just look up and you will see a collection of the Slade family portraits, from General Sir John Slace Bt. to more recent family members.

Lazy Sunday mornings can be spent relaxing on the sofas in front of the crackling fire with the Sunday papers and a pot of freshly brewed cafietere coffee. This room also has French windows which open out onto our beautiful leading into the walled orchard garden and rare breed wildfowl enclosure, perfect for late afternoon strolls and a alternative settings for your wedding photographs.

That's all for today's history lesson. We will be back on Friday with more on our beautiful wedding venue, Maunsel House.

Posted in: events,history,venues,weddings