|
|
Destinations-UK-Ireland |
      |
 |
|
|
Be a Destinations-UK-Ireland Sponsor  Some of our Dorset Articles Athelhampton House and Garden Sherborne New Castle Mapperton House Enid Blyton Sherborne Almshouse of SS John Other Dorset and England Articles  Book your Youth Hostel accommodation through usOne easy click away  The Great British Heritage Pass-a must for your Britain Visit |
©
Destinations-UK-Ireland. Reproduction of this work in whole or in part, including
images, and reproduction in electronic media, without documented permission
is prohibited. Site maintained by andyfellwalker England | Ireland | N. Ireland | Scotland | Wales | About Us | Contact Us . |
Mapperton House and Gardens lie in a valley in the county of Dorset surrounded by countryside views. It is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. 
Mapperton is one of Dorset’s oldest manors. It was, at the time of the Domesday Book, owned by the sheriff of Somerset, then was home to four families (Bretts, Morgans, Brodrepps, Comptons), inherited through the female line up to 1919 when Mrs Ethel Labourchere bought it. In 1955 it came to the Montagu family. Famous inhabitants include Edward Montague, the first Earl of Sandwich, who was Charles II's first general-at-sea. His cousin was Samuel Pepys. The fourth earl is famous for creating the first sandwich, named after him. 
It wasn’t until the 18th century that the balustrade, Georgian staircase hall, and north front were constructed. A tour reveals the original Tudor ceiling in the drawing room along with the plaster work and fireplaces of the 1600s. There are pictures by Lely, Reynolds, Hogarth and others. Rare furniture includes Louis XV commodes and a Gillow suite in the Egyptian style. 
The staircase hall has a carved arch and rococo stucco ceiling. Edward, the 1st earl, has his portrait here, and another painting is of the battle of Sole bay during which he drowned. Louis XV furniture pieces, some from Versailles, decorate the hall. In the drawing room are an original Tudor ceiling and pictures and furniture from the time of the 4th earl. One portrait of the earl is by Sir Joshua Reynolds. 
All Saints church, on the property, dates from medieval times but was remodelled in 1704 and 1846. At this time the gallery was removed and the porch was added. Dating from the 13th century is the south doorway, while the west tower and blocked door are 15th century. Both the choir stalls and pulpit are Jacobean. Some of the yellow stained glass roundels date from the 1540s. There is an underground family vault. European stained glass mostly dates from the 1600s. There is a monument by Peter Scheemakers to Richard Brodrepp (died 1737) and two angels by Cecil Thomas.