Photo source: Christopher John SSF from Stroud, NSW, Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Friars Court is a private house near Clanfield in Oxfordshire, part-moated by a bank of water dating from the 16th century.
Its three-acre gardens are shown on guided tours led personally by the owner, Charles Willmer, and take in a willow tunnel, a rose garden and a newly made labyrinth.
The house itself stays closed to visitors, but Friars Court is covered by Historic Houses, and group tours with cream teas can be arranged between May and September.
A private museum on site displays Roman and medieval objects turned up on the surrounding farmland.
History
Friars Court stands on the site of a medieval Knights Hospitallers preceptory, founded before 1279. The well-preserved moat that partly encircles the house dates from the 16th century, while the surviving building is of 17th-century construction. Roman and medieval artefacts recovered from the surrounding farmland suggest continuous habitation on or near this site over many centuries. The estate has remained in private hands, with Charles Willmer the current owner continuing a family tradition of caring for the house and its grounds.
Worth knowing
The estate keeps a private museum of Roman and medieval finds dug up on its own farmland, shown alongside the family's historical photographs during garden tours.
Gardens & grounds
The three-acre gardens run along the bank of the 16th-century moat and include the Moat Ponds, a willow tunnel, a rose garden, a yew arch and a recently created labyrinth.
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Shipton Rail Station (11 miles)
Open May to September for group garden tours by appointment; check official website for booking details.
Nearby properties
Kelmscott Manor
View Kelmscott Manor on heritage mapGreat Coxwell Barn
View Great Coxwell Barn on heritage mapSt John the Baptist Church, Inglesham
View St John the Baptist Church, Inglesham on heritage mapSt Michael and St Martin's Church, Eastleach Martin
View St Michael and St Martin's Church, Eastleach Martin on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Friars Court there are 3 historic properties, including 2 historic houses, across Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Within 10 miles of Friars Court there are 10 historic properties, including 3 archaeological sites, 2 historic buildings and 2 churchs, across English Heritage, Churches Conservation Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Friars Court there are 30 historic properties, including 10 historic buildings, 7 churchs and 6 historic houses, across English Heritage, Churches Conservation Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Facts
A family still leads personal tours past a 16th-century moat and a museum built entirely from finds off their own land.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Oxfordshire, England
- Visit duration
- Allow 2.5 hours for a guided tour and cream tea
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