The History of Athelhampton

Since it was built, the House was passed down through further generations, not often visited and falling into disrepair, until it was inherited by William Pole-Tylney-Long-Wellesley in 1825. In 1848 following years of disagreement with his father over family debt, the house was sold to George Wood.  George Wood bought a house in poor condition and had to repair the  roof, unfortunately George Wood dies in 1866 and his nephew George Wood Homer manages the estate which he inherits a few years later. But it didn't last either because George Wood-Homer builds himself a new manor at Bardolf near Puddletown, selling Athelhampton in 1890 to Alfred Cart De Lafontaine, but retains the surrounding farmland.

Cart De Lafontaine is never satisfied with his many changes to Athelhampton, and having spent a fortune here, after his favourite Nephew and heir is killed in the World War, he sells Athelhampton to release his money. In 1949 Athelhampton is sold to Rodney Phillips, who with his wife Marika, and mother-in-law the artist Marevna stay at Athelhampton until their separation in 1957. Maverna or Marie Vorobief, was the Russian born artist who lived in Paris with artist like Picasso and Chagall. You still can see some of her artwork in the house.

The Gardens of Athelhampton

Gardens in Athelhampton are the Grade I Listed and dating from c1891. The walled gardens include the world- famous topiary pyramids and collections of tulips, roses, magnolias, clematis and lilies. I really enjoyed  the Elizabethan style gardens, watching the fountains and  tranquillity. You can also relax by sitting  in one of the garden seating areas. These gardens was a winner of 1997 Christies' Garden Of The Year Competition. Don't miss a visit to the kitchen garden. Cafe using some the  produce from the kitchen gardens and home-cooked food looked lovely. I didn't try any food in this cozy place because the cafe was very busy and there were no free tables. Maybe next time.

You can only visit the gardens and ticket is £9.50 adults, £2.50 child.

The Ghosts of Athelhampton

Like any self-respected  Manor House, Athelhampton is considered to be one of the most haunted houses in England. If while walking around the house you can hear tapping coming from the wine cellar, then it's probably the ghost of the Grey Lady which has been seen around the house on numerous occasions.

A figure in a dark hooded cloak is often seen walking down the drive and through the Great Hall. There is no interaction from Hooded Priest ghost and he is usually just caught out of the corner.

In the North Wing, there was significant activity in the late 1990s. Doors would slam, doors would lock, lights would switch off, and a door would only unlock when the spirit was asked nicely.! Children would often have a bad feeling in these rooms. Professional assistance was used to allow this mischievous spirit to move on and there has not been any activities since. 

As a trader, Sir William Martyn bring an Ape and came to live as a pet at Athelhampton. There is, of course, a legend that during Tudor times, one of the daughters attempted to marry outside of the Catholic church. She was forbidden and then she decided to hide in a secret room behind the panelling in the Great Chamber. Unnoticed by her, the ape followed her in and when she later emerged the ape became stuck and starved to death. The Martyn Ape has seen in the Great Chamber sitting looking into your eyes, and at night scratching is heard behind the panelling...

Thomas Hardy and Athelhampton

 Thomas Hardy was an English novelist and poet. He was born in 1840 just 3 miles from Athelhampton, at Higher Bockhampton, and was the eldest of four children. Thomas Hardy was involved with Athelhampton from his teens to his 70s, and his experiences there mirror of the characters in his books. He first visited as the son of a stonemason working on the house. Hardy rapidly became a major literary figure, and one his books, The Waiting Supper (1888), features Athelhampton in the romantic heart of the story. He also painted a watercolour of the house, including the Gatehouse which was to be demolished just a couple of years later. 

 Athelhampton House and Gardens ticket cost £14 adult, and £4.50 child, to book your visit go to www.athelhampton.com/events-1/admission-tickets-4th-august-2021