Norrington Manor

Norrington Manor is a medieval manor house in the village of Alvediston, Wiltshire, roughly 11 miles west-southwest of Salisbury. It carries Grade I status, the highest level of statutory protection in England, and counts among the oldest surviving manor houses in this corner of the south-west.

What is Norrington Manor?

The core of the house is a 14th-century hall of three bays with a cross passage. Later owners kept adding to it. Historic England's listing records work from the late 1300s through the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, plus 19th-century service rooms. According to the same entry, the hall sits between two-storey 17th-century cross wings, with a two-storey 16th-century range facing the front. The boundary wall and gate piers are protected as part of the listing.

Who lived here?

John Gawen, a local lawyer, magistrate and Member of Parliament, acquired the estate in 1377 and is usually credited with building the first manor house. His family held the property until 1658. The Wyndham family then owned it until 1952. Accounts of the house note that the medieval hall and a vaulted undercroft still survive despite the rebuilding.

Can you visit?

Norrington Manor is a private home rather than a regular visitor attraction. The Historic Houses association states that visits can be arranged by writing directly to the owners. Without such permission, stay off the grounds. Views of the house depend on what the surrounding lanes and footpaths allow.

How do you get there?

Alvediston lies in the Ebble valley, among the chalk downland of Cranborne Chase. From Salisbury the drive takes about half an hour, finishing on narrow country lanes. Public transport in the area is very limited, so a car or bicycle is the practical choice. The coordinates are roughly 51.0136 N, 2.0497 W.

What else is nearby?

The same village has Alvediston Manor, a separate Georgian house of the 18th century listed at Grade II. Anthony Eden, the former British prime minister, lived there from 1968 until his death in 1977. Do not confuse it with Norrington Manor. The surrounding countryside suits quiet walks over the downs, and Salisbury with its cathedral, as well as Stonehenge, make easy day trips.

Frequently asked questions

What listing grade does Norrington Manor have?

Grade I, the highest. The National Heritage List entry dates from 6 January 1966.

How old is the house?

The oldest part, the three-bay hall, dates from the 14th century. Further additions followed in the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries.

Can I walk in without an appointment?

No. It is a private residence. Visits must be agreed with the owners, as Historic Houses confirms.

Who owned it over the centuries?

The Gawen family from 1377 to 1658, then the Wyndham family until 1952.