Hellens Manor

Hellens Manor is a country house in Much Marcle that blends stone and timber construction with architectural elements spanning Tudor, Jacobean, and Georgian periods. The oldest sections date from the 12th century and combine with later additions to form the structure seen today.

The estate was owned in 1057 by Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, before his death at the Battle of Hastings in 1066. This royal connection shaped the early history of the property and attracted prominent families over subsequent centuries.

The Music Room displays English Renaissance carved details alongside paintings by Gainsborough, Van Dyck, Peter Lely, and Goya from the Wharton Collection. These works reflect the artistic taste of the families who lived here over centuries.

The house opens for guided tours between April and October, with a tearoom and regular produce markets held on the first Saturday of each month. Visitors should plan ahead as opening times follow the season and tours can fill up quickly.

During World War II, Helena Gleichen, a great-niece of Queen Victoria, stored paintings from the Tate Gallery in the Stone Hall for safekeeping. This hidden art collection played a quiet role in protecting British masterworks from wartime damage.

Location: Much Marcle

Architectural style: Tudor architecture

Address: Much Marcle, Herefordshire, HR8 2LY

Website: https://hellensmanor.com

GPS coordinates: 51.99660,-2.49460

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:40