Dorset Group visit to Afflington Manor

Event details

Saturday 20 September, 2.30pm

Join the SPAB Dorset Group on a visit to Afflington Manor near Corfe Castle, a fascinating and extensive collection of buildings, many of which predate the main build of 1620. With numerous alterations and additions over the years, it is sure to be a rewarding visit.

Afflington Manor is just one of the line of Manor houses stretching from Swanage to Corfe Castle and beyond, following the important seam of Purbeck “Marble" used to supply the remarkable dark limestone which embellishes many of our best cathedrals including Salisbury and the Temple Church in London. 

The present Manor House was built over the remains of previous buildings in 1629 by Giles Green who later became  MP for Corfe Castle.  In the late 18th century, it become a farmhouse and outbuildings including a barn and dairy were added but by 1822 it was owned by the Encome estate. Extensive alterations were added during the 19th century but in the 17th century style, and our host, Andrew White will explain how they made further sympathetic repairs and alterations when they bought the house.

Close to the house was once a medieval village which hosted a market and fair during the reign of Henry III and people were still living there in 1800. Excavations last year revealed traces of stone foundations and even some evidence of Roman fires. Archaeologists have now returned to the site to discover more. 

Andrew will take us round the ground floor of the manor and explain the complicated history of the building. He will also show us the garden, and the site of the excavations for the Medieval Village.

You will need

Sturdy footwear is advised for exploring the lost village but be prepared to remove when entering the house.

How to get there

Afflington Manor
Corfe Castle, Wareham 
Dorset BH20 5HT

Accessibility

There are likely to be uneven surfaces and long steps.

Seating and facilities may be innaccessible.

Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email membership@spab.org.uk.

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions.

Photo credit: Afflington Manor - Jessica Sutcliffe