Waterston Manor

Waterston Manor, Puddletown, Dorset is a manor house with 17th century origins, that was extensively rebuilt after a fire in 1863 and remodelled in 1911. The manor was the inspiration for Weatherbury Farm in Thomas Hardy's novel, Far from the Madding Crowd. It is a Grade I listed building.

Waterston Manor
Waterston Manor
Location	Waterston, Puddletown, Dorset, England
Coordinates	50.7559°N 2.3766°W / 50.7559; -2.3766
OS grid reference	SY 73529 95207
Built	17th Century
Rebuilt	1863
Restored	1911
Listed Building – Grade I
Designated	26 January 1956
Reference no.	1119080
Location in Dorset

History

The house was built in the early 17th century, when the manor was owned by the Earls of Suffolk.^[1] In 1641, it was sold to Sir John Strangways.^[1] It remained in the possession of the Strangways, who in 1756 became Earls of Ilchester, until 1911 when it was sold to Captain Gerald Carter.^[2]

The gardens were laid out by Percy Richard Morley Horder when he undertook remodelling of the house in 1911.^[3]

The house was Hardy's inspiration for Weatherbury Farm in his novel Far From the Madding Crowd.^[4]

It is now owned by Katharine Butler,^[5] who, along with her siblings, was involved in a lengthy court case regarding the Chinese porcelain collection assembled by their father, diplomat Sir Michael Butler.^[6]

Description

The house is of two storeys, with an attic, and is constructed of ashlar and brick.^[7] The south front remains predominantly of 17th century construction, while the east front dates from the 19th century rebuilding following the fire.^[8] The interiors are almost entirely of the 19th and 20th centuries.^[9]

The gate piers, the stables, and some of the garden walls have their own Grade II listings.^[10][11][12]