National Trust - Lower Brockhampton

 

Photo 1: Lower Brockhampton Moated Manor House (18/2/24)

Sunday the 18th of February was a gloriously sunny day - too good for staying indoors. So after river testing in the morning & a quick brunch (another portmanteau word), we set off for Lower Brockhampton. It is very close to Bringsty Common which we visited in October 2023, again on a bit of a whim after river testing!

The Brockhampton Estate comprises 1700 acres of farmland, woods and orchards set in a hidden valley. There are lots of footpaths, walks and open areas to explore. Its jewel in the crown, however, is the late 14th century moated manor house with its timber-framed gatehouse dating from 1530 - 1540 (Photo 1). In the Georgian period (1714 - 1837), the lords of the manor built a much grander house on the estate and Lower Brockhampton Manor House became home to various estate workers.

The manor house is compact but does include a 'Great Hall' (Photo 2) for entertaining and a small number of other rooms (about half a dozen) set in different historical periods (Photo 3). The stewards are friendly and chatty and very happy to impart their knowledge.

Photo 2: The 'Great Hall' at Lower Brockhampton

Photo 3: Instructions for the Servant in one of the Main Bedrooms

Next to the Manor house is the ruined chapel that was built about 850 years ago.

Photo 4: Ruined Chapel at Brockhampton

Photo 5: Ruined Chapel at Brockhampton

Lower Brockhampton is great for kids with plenty of play areas. Miles of hard paths make this destination pushchair and wheelchair friendly. There is a cafe, toilets and a small secondhand bookshop - it wouldn't be a National Trust property without a secondhand bookshop!

The Hereford Bull is stored at Brockhampton - this trow is an example of the traditional cargo boats that used to ply their trade up and down the Rivers Wye and Severn (Photo 6). The trow represented Herefordshire in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Thames Regatta in 2012. At the moment it is covered to protect it from the winter weather but in warmer times you can board it.

Photo 6: 'Hereford Bull' Trow at Brockhampton 

Photo 7: Foxy Bench, Brockhampton