Kelmscott Manor

Kelmscott Manor is a limestone country house with multiple wings and traditional Cotswold architecture typical of the 16th-century English countryside. The interior spaces display art collections and exhibits that trace the property's history and its notable residents.

The manor was built around 1570 by farmer Thomas Turner and remained in his family for over 150 years before becoming a rental property in the early 1700s. William Morris's arrival in 1871 marked a turning point that transformed it into a cultural hub for the Arts and Crafts Movement.

The house became deeply connected to William Morris, who made it his home and creative center starting in 1871, drawing artists and designers to this rural location. This association transformed it into a hub for those seeking to challenge industrial manufacturing through traditional craftsmanship.

The manor sits in a rural Cotswolds location and is best reached by car, as nearby train stations are some distance away. Visitors should expect uneven ground and wear comfortable shoes, especially when exploring the gardens and surrounding countryside.

The front garden contains a Grade II listed summerhouse from the 17th century and an ancient black mulberry tree that has grown there for generations. These two elements give the garden a distinctive character and reveal the deep horticultural history of the property.

Location: Kelmscott

Operator: Sciety of Antiquaries of London

Address: Kelmscott, nr Lechlade GL7 3HJ

Phone: 01367252486

Website: https://sal.org.uk/kelmscott-manor

GPS coordinates: 51.68800,-1.63820

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:22