History

History of Yarnton Manor

Nestled beside a 12th-century parish church in the heart of historic Oxfordshire, Yarnton Manor has captivated and inspired visitors for centuries—and it’s easy to see why.

Surrounded by lush gardens and rolling farmland, the Manor’s setting is idyllic. Inside, the stately rooms echo with history and charm, once welcoming esteemed guests such as former Poet Laureate John Betjeman and acclaimed novelist Iris Murdoch.

Built in 1611 by the wealthy Spencer family, the 17th-century manor house reflects a rich and complex history. Through the centuries, it has passed through many hands, each adding their own chapter to its story. Now a Grade II* listed building, Yarnton Manor retains much of its original character, with careful restoration work carried out at the close of the 19th century ensuring its preservation.

A Place Steeped in History

Yarnton Manor stands on a site with a legacy stretching back over 5,500 years, to Neolithic times. Before the current house was built, earlier dwellings existed here, with records dating back to the Saxon period.

The Manor we see today was constructed almost from scratch in 1611 by Sir Thomas Spencer, the same year he was granted a baronetcy by James I. During the English Civil War, it served as a Royalist military hospital—its connection to the conflict still marked by the graves of around 40 soldiers in the adjacent churchyard, dating from 1643 to 1645.

Following the war, the Royalist Spencer family suffered significant financial losses, likely leading to the demolition of the manor’s north and south wings after the Restoration in 1660. The west wing remained, later repurposed as a farmhouse.

18th Century Decline

By 1718, Yarnton Manor had fallen into disrepair. It had been sold in 1695 to Sir Robert Dashwood of Kirtlington Park, whose successor, Sir James Dashwood, stripped stone from the Manor to use at Kirtlington—further accelerating its deterioration.

19th Century Restoration

By 1897, the Manor had been described as “shorn of all its glory.” That same year, it was purchased by Henry Robert Franklin, who undertook a full and sympathetic restoration. He commissioned Thomas Garner, a prominent Oxford architect known for his Gothic revival style and his work at Magdalen College.

The building’s dilapidated state ironically aided its restoration; original 17th-century features—such as the marbled and grained woodwork around the grand staircase—had survived, spared from previous modernisations. Garner also reimagined the gardens, adding a carriage drive that remains a defining feature of the estate’s approach.

20th Century Revival

Ownership changed hands several times throughout the 20th century. In 1936, Oxford academic George Kolkhorst acquired the Manor. A close friend of John Betjeman, Kolkhorst welcomed him as a guest on multiple occasions. In 1945, Betjeman declared the Manor “more fantastic than ever.”

Iris Murdoch also visited in 1939 with a touring theatre group and described the house as “beautiful,” praising its “miraculous gardens”—which continue to enchant visitors to this day.

21st Century