Rookley Manor, Hampshire is a Grade II* listed country house, located in Up Somborne in Hampshire, England. Located within the fertile Test Valley as part of the parish of Godshill, Hampshire, it was first established as la Spaund Manor prior to 1203,[3] under the control of the de Aula family.[4] By the middle of the 13th century it was owned by William Russell, the Lord of Yaverland, leased to his nobleman John Rivers. By 1280 it was owned by William's son Richard Russell, who by 1316 had passed it to Barton Priory possibly for use as an Oratory;[4] the hamlet still to this day has never had a church.[3] By 1431 it was leased by John Roucle, who changed his name to the more anglophile John Rookley.[4] Most of the present day farms surrounding the current hamlet of Rookley were first noted in the Middle Ages, but all were associated with the original manor house.[3] At some point, the estate fell into the ownership of the Worsley baronets of Appuldurcombe House. Although the current two-storey property is dated by some from the early 18th century,[2] the core of the house is constructed around a late-Medieval timber frame farmhouse structure, dating it to the late 15th century and possibly as late as 1670,[1][5] which has latterly been extensively reclad.
The rendered southwest facade dates from 1707, whilst the front which faces southeast was reconstructed in the late 1700s in a rough-rendered gothic architecture form.[2] The north side is painted red brick,[1] in English bond pattern which exposes the original timber frame,[1][6] and is linked to a single-storey service wing.[1] The whole house is topped by a hipped roof, into which windows on some sides extended, mainly using Yorkshire-style sash windows. Internally entranced through a centrally located open porch on an extending angular bay,[1][6] the four-panelled door leads to a marble-floored entrance hall and 17th century oak staircase.[1] Many of the rooms retain 18th century fireplaces, whilst the main bedroom retains both its fireplace and complete oak panelling. Externally, a 20th-century two-storey addition on the north links to an 18th-century two-storey cottage, which further extends to a similarly dated single-storey stable block. All are constructed in matching Flemish bond red brick, with casement windows.
[6] There are farming buildings, two walled gardens, two apple orchards and a Lime tree-lined avenue in the immediate surrounding 10.65 acres (4.31 ha) of grounds.[2] From 1795 enclosure of the surrounding farm lands had started to occur, and by 1837 the manor grounds including the associated farm were listed as having a total size of 698 acres (282 ha). First listed in 1955,[6] the farmhouse became Grade II* listed in August 1984. Leased out from the estate of Worsley baronets of Appuldurcombe House,[4] in the late 17th century the house was occupied by Thomas Hobbs (1647–1698), a physician to James II of England whose other clients included noted poet John Dryden. From 1776–1783 it was leased as a hunting lodge to HRH Prince Henry, Duke of Cumberland and Strathearn (7 November 1745 – 18 September 1790), third son of Frederick, Prince of Wales, and grandson of King George II.[4] His equerry from 1783–1790 was Thomas Boothby Parkyns MP (24 July 1755 – 17 November 1800), first son of Sir Thomas Parkyns, 3rd Parkyns Baronet, of Bunny Park, Notts.
[9] After Prince Henry's death in 1790, Parkyns took over the lease until his own death from oedema on 17 November 1800. In 1854 Charles Anderson-Pelham, 2nd Earl of Yarborough sold the property to Mr. W.J. Lyle, who later sold it onwards to Mr. Reginald Freke Williams.[4] In June 2014 it was put up for sale via agents Strutt & Parker. After the twice widowed Maria Fitzherbert entered London society, in spring 1784 she was introduced to George, Prince of Wales, six years her junior. Pursuing an affair, in part believed undertaken at Rookley Manor, on 15 December 1785 they illegally married under the Royal Marriages Act 1772 in the drawing room of her house in Park Street, Mayfair, London.[11] Although George latter married his first cousin, Duchess Caroline of Brunswick who bore him a daughter Princess Charlotte of Wales, on 10 January 1796, George wrote his last will and testament, bequeathing all his "worldly property . . . to my Maria Fitzherbert, my wife, the wife of my heart and soul".
[11] During the summer of 1798, by which time he had separated from Caroline and was bored with his mistress, Frances Villiers, Countess of Jersey, the couple reconciled again after the Pope deemed their marriage legitimate, meeting again at previous tryst locations including Rookley.[12] During the Regency era (1811–1820), George had so enjoyed the tennis court at Rookley, that he had it dug up and moved to nearby Crawley Court which he was leasing at the time.[13] Before he died, Maria wrote to George wishing him well,[14] whilst the King asked to be buried with Fitzherbert's eye miniature around his neck, which was done. Main article: Vanity Fair (novel) William Makepeace Thackeray was a successful 19th century writer and novelist by the time that he came to write Vanity Fair, but was also a virtual-widower as his wife had been held in a mental institute since 1842 due to severe depression. This made Thackeray, even with three young children in boarding school, a noted traveller/person of no fixed abode.
Thackeray had strong ties to Hampshire, having in 1815 after his father died in India been sent to his grandmother's residence in Fareham for his education, and latterly resided there with his aunt. Having been friended by the elder Charles Anderson-Pelham, 1st Earl of Yarborough, it is hence strongly rumoured that as his father had allowed Thackeray to stay in other property that he owned in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, that after his father's death that Charles Anderson-Pelham, 2nd Earl of Yarborough allowed Thackeray to write Vanity Fair whilst temporarily resident at Rookley Manor.[16] The later novel was first published as a series of extracts in Punch magazine between January 1847 and July 1848. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q ^ a b c d e f g h ^ a b c ^ a b c d e f g ^ a b c d e ^ a b Oxford Dictionary of National Biography ^ The Letters and Private Papers of William Makepeace ThackerayLevel Contributor“” I was expecting so much more from this hotel, especially as it cost £145 just for one night.
It looked amazing in the photos and myself and my partner were very much looking forward to staying here. We decided to stay due to an Afternoon Tea Christmas present from my Sister-in-law at the hotel so decided to make the most...Thank Carlly S Dear Carlly S, Thank you for your recent posting on tripadvisor and may we offer our sincere apologies that we did not meet your expectations on this occasion. I will certainly take time to discuss your comments with the team here at Audleys wood as your experience does not reflect the level of guest satisfaction that we aim to deliver.... Level Contributor“” via mobileLovely grounds, very quiet despite being not far from civilisation. Main hotel looked well maintained. Efficient staff directed us to meeting venue which was clearly where weddings / events were held . Was very nice, staff who were delivering refreshments etc did it discreetly and efficiently so as not to interrupt speakers. A great impression , if...Thank KLBOS Dear KLBOS,
Thank you for taking time to review Audleys wood on tripadvisor. We were pleased to learn that you were well looked after during your meeting with us. We look forward to welcoming you back in the future. Level Contributor“” Stayed here for two days on business, met at door by a welcoming gentleman, staff friendly and helpful, check in easy, even had the offer of taking bags to room. Bedrooms spacious and clean. As holding a meeting for 20 people had evening meal in private room, breakfast was good, Nothing was too much when setting up the meeting room...Thank Moira J Dear Moira J, Thank you for taking the time to post your feedback following your recent meeting with us, your kind comments are lovely to read. We look forward to hosting you and your colleagues in the near future. Level Contributor“” via mobileWhilst this was a work event we stayed overnight and was a lovely place to stay Good grounds comfy room with a wonderful breakfast Good size portions friendly staff
Room was good size comfy bed with a good sized bathroom with everything there Wonderful groundsThank ClareCollman Dear Clare Collman, Thank you for your valued review of tripadvisor, we were pleased that you enjoyed your overnight stay for work. We believe breakfast is the important meal of the day and we are glad to hear you found it wonderful. We look forward to welcoming you back. Level Contributor“” via mobileStayed Saturday night on the Hand Picked offer for room dinner and breakfast. We have stayed at several Hand Picked hotels and this is by far the best. We telephoned to see what time we cod check in and were able to check in early at 1pm. We were show to our room which was a lovely touch. Thank Mags R Dear Mags R, thank you for reviewing Audleys wood on tripadisor, we are really pleased that you enjoyed your stay with us and found the hotel to be wonderful. Your kind words regarding the team are much appreciated, we look forward to welcoming you back in the near future.
Level Contributor“” via mobileGreat Hotel, rooms lovely, clean and really comfortable beds. Coffee espresso machine in room along with the usual tea and coffee. The Bar lacks a TV but that's my personal preference. Service, staff and food 1st class with a fantastic breakfast! Thank Steve D Dear Steve D, thank you for reviewing Audleys wood hotel on tripadvisor, we were pleased to note that you enjoyed the room, facilities, service and food. We will certainly keep your comments in mind regarding the tv in the bar as we plan further improvements. Level Contributor“” via mobileWe attended Audleys Wood Hotel mid January for a meet up with friends. On arrival we were greeted at the door by a very welcoming gentleman who explained about check-in and then about the room facilities, this was a nice touch. Whilst we were here we had dinner, which was lovely and of a high standard, and a great breakfast....Thank robmckenzieuk Dear Rob McKenzie, Thank you for your posting following your stay with friends here at Audleys wood.
We are all really pleased that you enjoyed your room, dinner & breakfast and left feeling relaxed. Level Contributor“” We attended this Hotel for a get together of our small business personnel`s Xmas celebration. The hotel staff were very welcoming and we enjoyed afternoon cream teas and general spoiling. The rooms were upgraded to deluxe and the Bed and fittings were superb. The evening Dining was magnificent with once again quite exceptional service. It was 2.30am before we retired...Thank Peter L Dear Peter L, Thank you for your recent posting on tripadvisor, we were delighted to learn that you enjoyed your celebration at Audleys and found the food and service to be exceptional. We were also pleased to note that you enjoyed the late bar! We look forward to welcoming you back to Audleys wood. Level Contributor“” Our daughter and son in law had their wedding at Audleys Wood on 14/01/17. From the very first telephone conversation I had with Audleys Wood to the check out on the Sunday the hotel have been AMAZING!!
Ashleigh was our event organiser and she went above and beyond at every step to ensure that the whole experience was the very...Thank Lorraine T Dear Lorraine, Thank you for your very kind review on tripadvisor, I will be sure to relay your sentiments to the team. It was an absolute pleasure hosting Sarah and Anthony's wedding and we look forward to welcoming you back to Audleys in the future. Level Contributor“” We took our adult daughter for afternoon tea as a birthday treat. I had previously asked if they could cater for a vegan, and booked about 2 weeks in advance due to the dietary request. I just felt the whole experience was such a let down compared to the tea my husband and I had there about 2 years ago....Thank denard Dear Denard, Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback on tripadvisor. May we offer our sincere apologies that your afternoon tea did not live up to the experience you had with us 2 years ago. I will certainly take time to investigate what went wrong on this occasion and provide retraining with the team, we...