July 2024
Rodmarton Manor
Rodmarton Manor
Rodmarton was built for the Biddulph family, who still reside there. For this reason, photos are not allowed inside.
The manor was constructed in the early 20th century in an Arts and Crafts style, to a design by Ernest Barnsley. After Ernest died in 1925, it was completed by Sidney Barnsley, his brother, and then by Norman Jewson, Ernest’s son-in-law. All the construction materials were obtained locally and hand-worked by local craftsmen.
In the construction, Barnsley insisted no machines be used.
Despite the building’s immensity, the Biddulphs lived in some small rooms and left the large reception rooms for community use.
The Biddulphs were interested in the Arts and Crafts movement, and they used the manor house to teach villagers crafts such as woodwork and embroidery.
The house’s gardens were also created in accordance with the Arts and Crafts movement, providing food for the house. The layout of the garden was heavily influenced by Margaret Biddulph, who had studied at Studley Horticultural College, where she met her future head gardener, William Scrubey.
The terrace and gardens include yew hedges to create specific spaces, mixed with Portuguese laurels and roses, giving the impression of exterior rooms.
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It was a dreary rainy day, and yet the gardens were delightful.