Wolfeton House

About the museum

Wolfeton House is a Grade I listed manor house in the Frome valley, north-west of Dorchester and close to the village of Charminster. The compact courtyard at the heart of the present building dates back to about 1480, and the house was embellished around 1560. It was the seat of several families, including the Mohuns and later the Trenchards, who were among the leading families of Dorset in the 16th century and built most of what survives.

The house has a well-known place in local history. In January 1506 Sir Thomas Trenchard entertained the Archduke Philip of Austria and his wife Queen Joanna of Castile here after a storm forced their ship ashore at Melcombe Regis. During that stay Trenchard’s relative John Russell was presented to the royal guests, which is said to have begun his rise at the court of Henry VIII.

The gatehouse, which stands apart from the main building, carries an inscription saying that it was finished in 1534. It has two storeys with an attic and two round towers of different sizes. Inside the house there is carved oak panelling, plaster ceilings, grand fireplaces and a stone great staircase of about 1580 that is thought to be unique. The Great Chamber still has its original 16th-century floor, and there are pictures and furniture from the 17th century and a small chapel that can be lit only by candlelight.

Highlights

• Courtyard house dating from about 1480, Grade I listed
• Stone great staircase of about 1580 with carved figures
• Carved oak panelling, plaster ceilings and grand fireplaces
• Gatehouse of 1534 with two unequal round towers
• Small chapel lit only by candlelight

Permanent exhibition

• Wolfeton House – A medieval and Elizabethan manor house with carved oak panelling, plaster ceilings, a stone great staircase, a gatehouse and a small chapel.

Admission & discounts

£10 per person for non-members; members of Historic Houses enter free on showing a valid membership card.

Accessibility

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Kids & families

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Getting there & parking

The house is about 1½ miles from Dorchester on the B3147, just before it joins the A37, and is signed with Historic Houses signs. Visitors coming from Yeovil can turn off the A37 at Weir View in Charminster. The house is tucked away, so the owners advise against relying on a satnav.

Amenities & dining

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Events & venue rental

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