Kelmscott Manor

About

Kelmscott Manor was the iconic country home of William Morris; poet, designer, craftsman, socialist and founding father of the Arts and Crafts movement. This Grade I listed house was loved by Morris as a survival of traditional craftsman ship in harmony with the nearby village and surrounding landscape, which lies towards the very upper reaches of the Thames, inspiring many of his most important designs and writings, including the world-famous Willow pattern. Today, visitors will find an outstanding collection, from early 17th Century furniture to a unique collection of furnishings chosen by Pre-Raphaelite painter-poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti and pieces from each of Morris’ London homes, including several designed especially for the iconic Red House. Morris’ wife Jane and daughter May also have a vivid presence at Kelmscott Manor: many examples reflect their beautiful and accomplished needlework; much of this was designed by May, a significant and accomplished designer in her own right. Kelmscott Manor also boasts enchanting riverside gardens and the River Thames is located just a few hundred yards away. Beyond the walls of the formal garden stand the impressive farm barns – two of them house the Tearoom and beautiful Shop. After major restoration and improvement works, we are looking forward to welcoming visitors back to Morris’ “heaven on earth”.

The Manor is now reopen to the public after a major £6 million National Lottery Heritage funded conservation and refurbishment project, which includes the addition of new educational and public recreational spaces.

Situated in the charming village of Kelmscott located on the river Thames, near Lechlade, Kelmscott Manor was built around 1600 using mellow Cotswold stone. When William Morris first viewed Kelmscott Manor in 1871 he fell instantly in love with its unpretentious architecture, together with the history and landscape of its gentle rural environment. It encapsulated all his passions – history, nature, archaeology and romantic medievalism.