The Manor (Cambridgeshire) facts for kids
The Manor is a very old house located in the village of Hemingford Grey, which is in Cambridgeshire, England. It was built a long, long time ago, possibly around the year 1160. Some people even think it might be older, from the 1130s! This makes it one of the oldest homes in Britain where people have lived continuously for centuries. Even after more than 900 years, much of the original house is still standing.
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The Manor House: A Historic Home
The Manor House has seen many changes over its long history. Despite these updates, its ancient structure remains strong. It stands as a living piece of history, showing how homes were built and lived in many centuries ago.
How Old Is It?
While some claim The Manor is the oldest continuously lived-in house in Britain, this is debated. Another house in Saltford is officially recognized as the oldest. Still, The Manor's age is truly impressive. Imagine a house that has been a home for over nine centuries!
Famous People Who Lived Here
Many interesting people have called The Manor their home throughout its long history. Two groups of residents, in particular, made the house famous.
The Beautiful Gunning Sisters
In the early 1700s, The Manor was home to two sisters known as the "Beautiful Miss Gunning." Their names were Maria and Elizabeth Gunning. They were famous across Europe for their stunning looks. A poet named William Cowper once saw them by the river. He described them as "two nymphs adorned with every grace."
Maria later married the Earl of Coventry. Elizabeth married twice. Her first husband was the Duke of Hamilton. Her second husband was the Duke of Argyll. Elizabeth had two sons with each husband. This meant she became the mother of four Dukes!
Lucy M. Boston and Green Knowe
The house became very well-known because of a writer named Lucy M. Boston. She bought The Manor in 1939. Lucy Boston renamed the house Green Knowe for her famous children's books. She wrote several stories that were set right there in the house. Almost everything described in her books can be found at The Manor. The only fictional part is a statue of St Christopher on the side of the house.
During the Second World War, Lucy Boston would host special events. She played music on her gramophone for airmen from nearby bases. The house looks much the same today as it did when Lucy Boston passed away in 1990.
The Gardens of Green Knowe
Lucy Boston also created the beautiful gardens around The Manor. These gardens are surrounded by a moat, which is a ditch filled with water. They feature interesting topiary (shrubs shaped into designs). You can also find old roses, award-winning irises, and colorful herbaceous borders.
Visiting The Manor
Today, The Manor is still a private home. However, it is open for visitors who make an appointment. This gives people a chance to step inside a truly historic house. You can see the rooms that inspired the "Green Knowe" books. You can also explore the lovely gardens created by Lucy Boston.
