Knighton Gorges Manor

Knighton Gorges Manor consists of ruins scattered across the grounds, featuring stone gateposts, walled gardens with earthwork features, and a garden building positioned near the slopes of Knighton Down. The layout shows how the original estate was organized, with different structures arranged around what was once the main residence.

The manor was built in the 12th century and later became a refuge for Sir Hugh de Morville following the murder of Archbishop Thomas Becket. The house was deliberately burned down in 1820 by Maurice George Bisset for personal reasons connected to his family.

The rooms here reflect Tudor design choices, with large square windows and low roofs typical of English country houses from that period.

The grounds are privately owned and access is restricted to the public, though the ruins can be viewed from surrounding areas. It is best to view the remains from nearby public paths or inquire locally about any permitted visiting arrangements.

The destruction of the manor was not the result of decay or war, but a deliberate act by owner Maurice George Bisset to disinherit his daughter. This extreme measure reflected family tensions over her marriage and reveals the lengths some landowners went to maintain control.