Berkshire
Gardens Trust
Reg.Charity No.1201501

Following our very successful Zoom talk on William Morris by Fiona Rose this winter, we are very pleased to invite you to join us in a private visit to Kelmscott Manor. 

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“I have been looking for a home for the wife and kids, and whither do you guess my eye is turned now? Kelmscott…a heaven on earth; an old Elizabethan house, and such a GARDEN!”

(William Morris)

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This “heaven on earth” was the country home of writer, designer and socialist William Morris from 1871 until his death in 1896. Today it is owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London” and it reopened its doors in 2022 after a major £6 m restoration project undertaken by the society.

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More famous for his work inside the home, William Morris (1834-1896) made a significant impact on the evolution of the English garden, drawing inspiration from Kelmscott Manor. He considered the garden inseparable from the house, rejecting Victorian formality and instead drawing inspiration from medieval gardens.

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Our private visit will include:

• Inclusive tea/coffee and homemade biscuits on arrival

• A short introductory talk by one of their experienced guides

• A visit to the house and gardens where you will be able to explore the manor at your own pace.

• A traditional cream tea after the tour in the tearoom.

 

The burial place of William Morris is in St George’s church close to the car park, on the edge of the village.

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Booking: Tickets are £25 (BGT members) and £28 for guests and non-members. 

 

Accessibility: The car park is situated on the edge of the village and is an 8-10 minute level walk from the Manor.

(Sat Nav reference GL7 3HF, or ‘What 3 Words’ -Reforming Cheering Person)

The house provides an electric shuttle service to and from the Manor for those visitors who would find the walk difficult.

 

Access:  The house welcomes all types of mobility vehicles on to the property, however they regret that powered mobility vehicles cannot be used inside the Manor due to the restricted space and the fragility of the collection. They have two manual wheelchairs for visitor use. Wheelchair access is limited to the ground floor of the house.

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Please let us know if you wish to bring your own mobility aids, or if your mobility will limit your access to the whole house. For those unable to access the

upper rooms, they have fully illustrated folders available.

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Queries: Kim Hacker at BerksGTmembership@gmail for queries about accessibility, or to let us know if you have any dietary restrictions.

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Kim will send out joining instructions a week before the event.

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All pictures courtesy of Kelmscott Manor