Old Soar Manor, Medieval manor house in Plaxtol, England.
Description
Old Soar Manor is a medieval house near Plaxtol with a substantial two-story stone block that retains original defensive features such as a barrel-vaulted undercroft and loopholes for arrows. The structure still contains the original private quarters and a chapel, though the former great hall was later replaced by a farmhouse.
History
The manor was built in 1290 for the Culpepper family and is among the best-preserved medieval residential structures of its kind in England. After several centuries, the former great hall was replaced by a farmhouse in 1780, reflecting how the property changed hands and purposes.
Culture
The manor displays typical features of its era through thick stone walls, narrow windows, and a wooden spiral staircase connecting the living spaces. These details give a direct sense of how people lived and moved through their home during that time.
Practical
The site is open year-round and managed by the National Trust, making it accessible on most days. Visitors should be prepared for narrow staircases and low doorways, as the building is an authentic medieval structure without modern alterations.
Did you know?
The building preserves one of England's best-preserved medieval toilets, conveniently located at the corners of the first-floor living quarters. This unusual feature reveals how residents managed their everyday needs in medieval times.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Plaxtol).
Fairlawne
2.6 km
Oxon Hoath
2.2 km
Bourne Alder Carr
1.6 km
Plaxtol Church
1.8 km
Church House The Old Post Office
1.8 km
Church of St Dunstan
2.9 km
Church of St Giles, Shipbourne
3.4 km
Church of St Mary
2.9 km
Church Row
1.9 km
The Chaser Public House
3.4 km
Former Schoolmasters House School (Now Memorial Hall)
1.8 km
Yotes Court
3.2 km
The Kentish Rifleman Public House
1.7 km
The Roses
1.7 km
Shipbourne War Memorial
3.4 km
Old Forge House
3.6 km
Ightham War Memorial
3.6 km
Boundary Wall And Lychgate To The Church Of St Giles
3.4 km
Wickenden Farmhouse
1.4 km
Manderley
1 km
Garden Urn 30 Yards West Of Ightham Mote
3.6 km
Spring Place
3.2 km
Yew Tree Cottage And Shipbourne Village Hall
3 km
Buddleia Cottage Old Well House
1.8 km
Plaxtol War Memorial
1.8 km
Milestone, Maidstone Road, Brough Green, by church
3.3 km
Milestone, Seven Mile Lane, half mile N of Beech Road, by 50 sign
2.8 km
Church Row
1.8 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes