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The History of Maunsel HouseMaunsel House is a magnificent 13th Century Manor set in 100 acres of stunning parkland at the heart of sprawling 2,000 acre estate, compromising of farms, lakes, woodlands, walnut groves, orchards, Somerset Levels and Moors, cottages and ancient barn.
Maunsel HouseHistory
There are many artefacts at Maunsel dating back to the Roman period. The first VIP visitor who stayed was Alfred the Great in 878 when he fought the Danes.
Brictworld the Saxon lived at Maunsel in 1066 and was replaced by Count Eustance of Boulogne in 1086 (mentioned in the Domesday Book) when the house was called ‘Maunsel’, being derived from the French meaning ‘Sleeve of Land’.
At the time of Henry II, William De Erleigh granted Maunsel to Phillip Arbalistarius As his daughter, Mabel. His son, Philip, married the daughter of Sir Hugh d’Auderville and assumed the surname of Maunsel. Philip de Maunsel became progenitor of the family with the surname ‘Maunsell’ or ‘Mansel’. The estate was passed onto the Bacon family of Norfolk and then to the Slade family.
Maunsel HouseHistory
John Slade bought Maunsel in 1772, Between 1772 and 1868 the Slade family built two further wings to the house, to the north and west. In more recent times Sir Benjamin has undertaken an extensive restoration programme for both the house and the surrounding estate.
The Slade family celebrated many achievements throughout the generations. General Sir John Slade was created 1st Baronet for his services during the Peninsular War. His grandson, Sir Alfred Slade, 3rd Baronet, fought in the Indian Mutiny and the Crimean War and later became the Receiver General of the Inland Revenue.
Maunsel HouseHistory
Sir Thomas Slade was a naval architect and designed Nelson’s ship ‘Victory’, a model of which can be seen at Maunsel House.
Madeleine Slade, daughter of British Admiral Sir Edmond Warre Slade (Chief of the Naval Intelligence and Founder of BP), went to India in 1925. She accompanied Gandhi to the roundtable talks with the British and was later imprisoned alongside him in Aga Khan Palace Jail. In recognition of her devotion to him and his cause, he gave her the Indian name, Mirabehn.
General Sir John Slade, son of Sir Adolphus Slade sailed the first naval iron ship, HMS Recruit. He was also in charge of the Turkish Navy in the Crimean War.
Maunsel HouseGuests
Throughout history Maunsel has had many house guests who include King Alfred the Great, Queen Matilda and King John. Geoffrey Chaucer also lived at Maunsel for 10 years in the 1390s whilst he wrote the Canterbury Tales in which he based his tales on local characters. The Wife of Bath was modelled on a lady who married five times at St Michael’s Church. This unique Saxon chapel is one of the oldest churches in the country and is situated within the estate.
John O’Gaunt, second son of Edward III and brother in law of Geoffrey Chaucer, also visited Maunsel House.