Great Chalfield Manor

15th century manor with charming historic detail.

Great Chalfield Manor was re-built between 1465 - 85 on the site of an earlier fortified residence. The Wars of the Roses left a legacy of unrest among the nobility and this prompted builder Thomas Tropnell to locate the main house safely behind a moat, curtain wall and protective gatehouse. However, Chalfield was built with decor as well as defence in mind. Yellow-hued Corsham stone, buttresses, mullioned windows and intricate figures carved into the gable ends give the manor a bright and attractive exterior.

Inside, the manor follows a plan typical of the late medieval epoch with a porch leading directly into the timbered great hall. Screens separate this two-storey multi-purpose room from the pantry and kitchens beyond and, unusually for the period, Chalfield also boasts a separate dining room. At the other end of the great hall an elegant spiral staircase winds up towards the solar (family area). The ladies of the house could gather up here and keep an eye on proceedings in the great hall by gazing through 'squints' - or hollow masks - fashioned into the panels.

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