Wardington Manor, Manor house in Wardington, Oxfordshire, GB.
Wardington Manor is a stone manor house that rises between Lower and Upper Wardington and features extensive gardens with architectural elements from multiple periods across its 30-acre grounds. The property combines structures from different eras within its complex layout, including restored walled gardens where horticultural projects now take place.
The manor dates from the 16th century and underwent substantial remodeling in 1665, then modifications in the early 1900s before a major fire in 2004 caused significant damage. These reconstructions and the fire shaped how the building appears and functions today.
The manor served as a significant cultural hub with an exceptional private library containing rare English Bibles and around 700 historical atlases that reflected the scholarly interests of past residents. This collection made the property a gathering place for researchers and book collectors seeking access to such rare materials.
The property currently hosts a gardening operation that produces cut flowers and conducts soil health workshops in the restored walled gardens. Expect uneven paths connecting different garden areas and wear weather-appropriate clothing for outdoor exploration of the grounds.
During the 2004 fire, local villagers formed a human chain and successfully rescued thousands of valuable books from the burning manor wing. This spontaneous community effort preserved much of the historical collection from destruction.
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