Wolfeton House
| Wolfeton House | |
| Dorset | |
|---|---|
_-_geograph.org.uk_-_832446.jpg) Wolfeton House; the south front | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SY67839213 |
| Location: | 50°43’41"N, 2°27’25"W |
| History | |
| Built 1534 | |
| Country house | |
| Information | |
Wolfeton House (sometimes Wolveton House) is an early Elizabethan manor house in Dorset. It stands amongst water-meadows near to the village of Charminster, north-west of the county town, Dorchester, close to the confluence of the rivers Frome and Cerne.
History
The compact original courtyard section of the current building dates back to about 1480. The house has been the country seat of several families, including the Mohuns and Trenchards. The current building is a relic built by the Trenchard family, once being one of the most prominent families in Dorset during the 16th century.[1]
Building
Parts of Wolfeton House date back to the south side of an early quadrangular courtyard house, dating from the 16th century. The house has a three floored tower on the south side, with the topmost stage build in approximately 1862. West of the tower the wall was built in 16th century and leads to the octagonal garderobe tower.[2]
Inside the house is oak panelled and includes an extensive collection of Elizabethan and Jacobean carvings, including those of Roman Soldiers and a figure of a Briton brandishing a club. The main staircase of stone is believed to be unique, built in 1580 with carved figures in the balustrade. The Great Chamber's floor is original and dates to the 16th century, whilst the fireplace is carved with figures including a Native American.[3]
Gatehouse
The gatehouse at Wolfeton House includes an inscription panel stating it was finished in 1534. The gatehouse is 2 storeys high with an attic and was built approximately 100 feet east of the main building. It has two round towers which are not identical in size, with an entrance archway between, but off-centre. Around the door is a label mould, with two stops, showing a satyr and a woodmouse each holding staves. Above the door is cartouche dating from the early 18th century.[2]
Outside links
 |
("Wikimedia Commons" has material about Wolfeton House) |
- Historic Houses Association: Wolfeton House – visiting information
- Tour UK: Wolfeton House
- Great Houses & Manors of Dorsetshire
References
- ↑ Newth, John (June 2013). "A complete jumble – Wolfeton Few Dorset houses can match the character and charm of Wolfeton. John Newth has visited.". Dorset Life. http://www.dorsetlife.co.uk/2013/06/a-complete-jumble-wolfeton/. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 National Heritage List 1324021: Wolfeton House
- ↑ Ross, David. "Wolfeton House". Britain Express. http://www.britainexpress.com/attractions.htm?attraction=1960. Retrieved 26 August 2016.
- Albert Bankes (1907). "Wolfeton House". Journal of the British Archaeological Association (London: British Archaeological Association): 176–209.
- "Wolfeton House". The Archaeological Journal (Longman, Rrown, Green, and Longman): 270–295. 1992.
- Booton, Peter. "Dorset Interiors: Wolfeton House", Dorset Magazine