Fiddleford Manor

Fiddleford Manor is a medieval manor house in the village of Fiddleford, beside the River Stour a few miles from Sturminster Newton in Dorset. English Heritage looks after the oldest part of the house and entry is free. It is one of the lesser-known yet best-preserved 14th-century houses in south-west England.

What is Fiddleford Manor and who built it?

The house dates from around 1370 and was probably built for William Latimer, sheriff of Somerset and Dorset, who had acquired the estate through marriage in 1355. In the 16th century it passed to the White family, who added a wing to the north of the older house. By the 1960s the great hall was in poor repair and the state took it into care. Historic England lists both the medieval house and the 16th-century northern extension at Grade I, the highest level of protection. Local heritage records also know it as Fiddleford Mill House.

What will you see?

The main draw is the timber roofs over the great hall and the solar, the owner's private upper chamber. Their arch-braced construction and decorative wind braces are regarded as among the finest in Dorset. The solar roof keeps its original timbers, while the hall roof was heavily altered over the centuries. On the north wall of the solar a 14th-century wall painting came to light, thought to show the Archangel Gabriel. The rooms are small, so a visit usually takes 20 to 40 minutes.

Can you go inside the whole building?

No. The adjoining part of the house to the north is still a private home and closed to visitors. Only the section in English Heritage's care can be visited.

How do you get there, and when should you go?

The manor stands on Calf Close Lane, south of Sturminster Newton. Driving is easiest, with a free car park on site. English Heritage lists the site as open daily, generally 10am to 6pm from April to October and shorter hours in winter; check the operator's website before you set off. The path from the car park can turn muddy after rain, and the river bank is unfenced, so keep an eye on children. A dry day in spring or summer is best, and the visit pairs well with a stroll along the Stour.

Frequently asked questions

Is Fiddleford Manor free to visit? Yes, both entry and parking are free.

How long does a visit take? About half an hour, longer if you add a walk in the surrounding countryside.

Is the manor a protected building? Yes, it is Grade I listed on the National Heritage List for England.

Can I see the whole house? No. The northern wing is a private residence and is not open to the public.