Alford Manor House facts for kids
Alford Manor House is a very old and special house in Alford, Lincolnshire, England. It's thought to be the biggest thatched house in all of England! Built way back in 1611, it has a unique shape and a fascinating history. It's like stepping back in time to see how people lived hundreds of years ago.
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Discovering Alford Manor House
This amazing house is located on West Street in Alford, a town in Lincolnshire, England. It's known as a Grade II* listed building, which means it's a very important historical building that needs to be protected. What makes it truly special is its roof – it's believed to be the largest thatched roof on a manor house in England!
What Makes It Special?
Alford Manor House was built in 1611. It has a traditional "H" shape, which means it looks a bit like the letter H from above. It's also very unusual because of how it was built. Most houses from that time had wooden frames that you could see from the outside. But this house has a wooden frame inside, covered with reed and plaster, and then completely covered with bricks on the outside! The bricks weren't just for show; they were a strong part of the building's structure.
Inside the house, you can see how different parts were changed over the years. The ground floor and first floor have designs from the Georgian and Victorian periods. But the attic floor looks almost exactly as it did when the house was first built in 1611!
A Look Inside Its History
The house might have been built by someone named John Hopkinson. A lot of its importance comes from one of its owners, Sir Robert Christopher. Sir Robert was a supporter of the King during the English Civil War. After the King returned to power, Sir Robert was made a knight by King Charles II.
The house was later passed down to Sir Robert's granddaughter, Lucy. She married John Manners, who was the Duke of Rutland. After that, the house was rented out to different people. One of these tenants was John Higgins, who moved in around 1820. He was a friend of Robert Darwin, who was the father of the famous scientist Charles Darwin. John Higgins worked as a local Land Agent, which meant he helped manage land for others. He even set up his office in a newer part of the house on the east side.
Caring for the House Today
Many years later, in 1958, a descendant of John Higgins named Dorothy Higgins bought the house. She was a doctor and a member of the Alford Town Council. In 1967, she generously gave the house to the town. To make sure the house was well looked after, the Alford Civic Trust was created. This group manages and cares for the property, making sure it stays special for everyone to enjoy. The house was also carefully repaired and got a new thatched roof between 2004 and 2006.
