Mapledurham House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mapledurham House |
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| Location | Mapledurham, Oxfordshire, England |
| Built | c.1585 |
| Governing body | Mapledurham Estate |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Mapledurham House | |
| Designated | 24 October 1951 |
| Reference no. | 1368944 |
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Mapledurham House is a beautiful old house in Mapledurham, Oxfordshire, England. It was built during the Elizabethan era, which was the time when Queen Elizabeth I ruled England. This grand house is considered a very important historical building. It has a special status called a Grade I listed building, which means it is protected because of its history and unique design.
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History of Mapledurham House
The land where Mapledurham House stands was bought in 1490 by a person named Richard Blount. The house you see today was started around 1585 by Sir Michael Blount. This was a very exciting time in English history, around when the Spanish Armada was a big threat.
The Blount family has owned Mapledurham House for a very long time, right up to today. The house was built in a special "E-shape," which was popular during the Elizabethan period. Later, in the late 1700s, a chapel was added to the house. This chapel was built in a style called Gothic Revival, which made it look like older, medieval buildings.
For many years, the owners of Mapledurham House were Roman Catholics. At that time, it was difficult for Catholics in England to practice their faith openly. So, the house had secret hiding places called "priest holes." These were used to hide priests. Some of these secret spots were only found in the 21st century! The family also had a special writing desk that could hide a small altar for secret church services.
The Mapledurham Estate includes much of the nearby village. It also features the famous Mapledurham Watermill and part of the local church.
In August 1612, Anne of Denmark, who was the Queen of England and Scotland, stayed at Mapledurham House. She was a guest of Sir Richard Blount before she went to meet her husband, King James VI and I, at Woodstock Palace.
Mapledurham House in Books and Movies
Many famous people have visited Mapledurham House. The well-known poet Alexander Pope often came to the house. He was friends with Teresa and Martha Blount, who lived there.
The house and the village around it have also been used as filming locations. The 1976 movie The Eagle Has Landed was filmed here. Several TV shows, including Midsomer Murders, have also used Mapledurham House as a setting.
Some people believe that Mapledurham House was the inspiration for Toad Hall in Kenneth Grahame's famous book, The Wind in the Willows. This is a classic story about animal characters. However, other houses also claim to be the inspiration for Toad Hall.
Visitor Information
Mapledurham House is a private home, but it is sometimes open to the public for visits. You can check their official website for opening times and events. It's a great place to learn about English history and see a beautiful old house.
Gallery
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Mapledurham House
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The Church at Mapledurham House
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Majestic Tree
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"The Marriage of Figaro" at Mapledurham House
