HAT visit to Holywell House, Swanmore

HAT VISIT TO HOLYWELL HOUSE – TUESDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER 2022
The Holywell House and estate at Swanmore is the home of the Earl and Countess of Clarendon, who have very kindly invited us for an afternoon visit to include a guided tour of the house and afternoon tea in their delightful garden, weather permitting, otherwise indoors. The house and estate are situated in the Meon Valley and centre around a Grade2, 17C. house within the 900 acre working estate. The house was originally a farm bought as one of his minor properties by Admiral Lord George Anson (1697-1762), who by sailing around the world, writing a book about his experiences and becoming an Admiral of the Fleet during the Seven Years War, made his fortune, and took as his title the manor of Soberton which is an adjacent village to Swanmore. After his death it was sold to the Minchin family and has been re-modelled several times with the walled garden, barn and semi circular bowed windows on the south and east of the house dating from the 1790’s. It changed hands again in 1917 and 1960 and then came by descent to the Earl of Clarendon. Both the House and grounds are regularly used for corporate events and weddings, and not usually open to the public, however the Earl and Countess agreed to re-arrange this visit as we sadly had to cancel a previous one because of the pandemic. After a guided tour of the House, we will be able to wander the beautiful gardens and tea will be set up in the summer garden which has wonderful views across the valley to the woods which originally formed part of the Forest of Bere. There is plenty of parking available by the House and we will gather in the summer garden, directed by the Events team at 2.00p.m. with tours to start at 2.15p.m. There is not any restriction on numbers, and if, as we hope, many of you will join us, the groups may be divided, but all will have a guided tour and tea. The cost will be £15.00 pp to include tea, and we look forward to welcoming you to one of Hampshire’s hidden gems. Although there is access from the A32, and your sat nav may lead you there, it is quite dangerous and it is preferred that guest use the alternative entrance. The turning from the A32 is between Wickham and Droxford, opposite Sydenham Timber Merchants, signposted to Mislingford and called Bishops Wood Road. Go over the River Meon and at the next crossroads turn right onto Holywell Road, then just after a sharp left hand bend, there is a signposted turn to the right onto the estate. Follow the road through the gate, past the stables and the parking will be directed by us behind the House. See you there!

How to book

Bookings can be made by e-mail to events@hampshirearchivestrust.co.uk or by post to: HAT Events, c/o 236 Hunts Pond Road, Fareham, PO14 4PG.  Tel: 01489 573056 – stating your method of payment: BACS – sort code 30-99-71, HAT account 00361865, giving your name and the name of the visit as reference, OR by cheque payable to Hampshire Archives Trust to the above address.contact events@hampshirearchivestrust.co.uk

Closing date for booking is 2 September