Manor Farmhouse

Manor Farmhouse is a two-story stone building with a porch over a molded doorway and a main hall positioned on the east side. An attached range of outbuildings extends from the main structure, forming a complete medieval agricultural complex.

Built in the 14th century as a summer residence for the Abbots of Glastonbury Abbey, it replaced an earlier structure from the late 13th century. The site served the monastic leaders for over 200 years before the dissolution ended its ecclesiastical use.

The stone figure above the porch shows Abbot Richard Whiting, who led Glastonbury Abbey until his imprisonment and execution during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This carving keeps alive the memory of the building's connection to the abbey's power in the region.

The building sits in a rural village in Somerset with views of the surrounding farmland and outbuildings clearly visible from the exterior. As a Grade I listed structure, visiting the interior may have restrictions, so checking ahead before arrival is helpful.

Four large fish ponds connected to Meare Pool and the River Brue yielded around 5,000 eels annually during the monastic period. This specialized pond system reveals how the estate generated income beyond typical farming activities.

Location: Meare

GPS coordinates: 51.17190,-2.77889

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:40