The Manor House
A fine example of a very early unfortified Manor House built to house the Harcourt family and its Retainers.
The family still live and work here
The Great or Old Kitchen
This unique kitchen has an unusual conical roof which when opened allowed the smoke from the fires to escape, the being no chimney.The well (now filled in) was situated in the centre to provide the water required.
Pope's Tower
Over the chapel, the tower was used by Alexander Pope during the summer of 1717 and 1718 t, while he translated the 5th volume of Homer's Iliad and was the insertion for other houses planned by Pope.
The Chapel
Found on the Ground Floor of Pope's Tower, with a fan-vaulted Chancel roof which is complimented by a wooden moulded ceiling in the Nave. It is interesting to note that the family worshipped in the Assembly Room which was on the First Floor reached via the Gallery the Great Parlour. The Chapel is still in regular use both by the Parish and the Family.
The Gardens
These provide an ideal setting around the Manor House in a formal style with the feeling of a courtyard.The woodland area's containing the remains of the Moat and the Stew Ponds in which fish were reared, before being transferred to the Church Pool for the villagers to catch, and to feed the Manor. The gardens compliment the architecture of the house and will invite further visits and exploration.
The Manor House and gardens are under the umbrella of the Historic Houses Assoc. and take part in the National Gardens Scheme and also offers plants for sale as a lasting memory of your visit and walk around the Gardens at Stanton Harcourt.