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HISTORY

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Whitminster House is listed Grade II* and is a charming example of a family home that has evolved over the centuries. 

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Whitminster House is a charming Cotswold stone manor house featuring a delightful mélange of architectural eras: with Anglo-Saxon foundations, the original house was Norman, fortified briefly under Royal licence in the 14th century before being added to and updated during the reign of James I in the early 17th century. Further improvements were carried out in the 18th century, then in the mid-19th century the South and East sides were re-faced in the Victorian Gothic style with ceilings raised and windows enlarged.

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The manor dates from Saxon times and is mentioned in The Domesday Book. Variously owned by a succession of Earls, Dukes and Kings including Henry V, Edward IV and Richard III, it became the property of local notables in the 17th and 18th centuries.

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In 1288 it was a Manor House described as 'the Lord's Court'; and in 1336 was known as a 'Chief House' with a courtyard. In 1347 the Earl of Hereford asked the King's permission to fortify it.

In 1721 Whitminster House was bought by the Cambridge family. Their son, Richard Owen Cambridge, made all the 18th Century alterations. A friend of the poet Alexander Pope and of Frederick, Prince of Wales, Richard created glamorous embellishments to the house and grounds which attracted many visitors. Sadly, the outdoor improvements have not survived but the panelled Library remains.

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The TEESDALEs (in whose ancestory Maud is listed) 'bought back' Whitminster House in 1882, made the Victorian additions, and live here to the present day.

 

 

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