Halsway Manor, Manor estate in Crowcombe, England
Halsway Manor is a manor house with distinct construction periods visible in its two main sections, the eastern portion built in the 15th century and the western wing added during the 19th century. The later addition features crenellated parapets and ornamental stonework characteristic of its era.
The property appears in the Domesday Book of 1086 as part of Roger de Courcelles' holdings, then later served as a hunting lodge for Cardinal Beaufort. Over centuries it passed through different hands before becoming the cultural institution it is today.
The manor serves as the UK's only residential folk arts center, hosting workshops in traditional music, dance, and storytelling throughout the year. Visitors experience how local and regional art forms remain part of a living creative tradition here.
The manor sits adjacent to the A358 road connecting Taunton and Williton, making it straightforward to reach by car. Accommodation is available on the grounds in converted outbuildings for participants attending multi-day events and courses.
The entrance hall features extensive oak paneling and a grand staircase with an open fireplace beneath a barrel-vaulted ceiling crafted from medieval timber. These details reveal the craftsmanship invested in the building's most important interior spaces.
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