Visit Athelhampton at Christmas

Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor Manors.

The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass, and other details. The house survives due to its complex ownership through the years.

Come and have a guided tour of all of the Hardy connections with this Tudor building. There will be a tour and walk followed by an afternoon tea. Meet at Athelhampton at 12 noon on Saturday 21 December.

George Wood acquired a house in poor condition, he repaired the hall roof. Thomas Hardy's father was involved in the work and Hardy visited and painted a watercolour of the house in 1859. In 1862 George Wood built a new Church at Athelhampton, with Hicks of Dorchester as Architect who employed Thomas Hardy. George Wood died in 1866 and his nephew George Wood Homer managed the estate and inherited a few years later

Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor Manors.

The Great Hall built in 1485 remains greatly unchanged with a mainly original hammer-beam roof, carved stonework, stained glass, and other details. The house survives due to its complex ownership through the years.