Inside a Perfectly Preserved 500-Year-Old Tudor Manor House

0:00:00 Athelhampton House
Athelampton House is a stunning Tudor Manor House located in Dorset, Southwest England, with origins dating back to the Domesday Book and the Wars of the Roses. Purchased in 2019 by Giles Keating, it has undergone significant restoration, including returning its kitchen to Elizabethan origins. The manor is now a pioneering example of sustainable living, striving to be the first solar-powered manor house in the country while offering visitors a glimpse into centuries of domestic history.

0:46:17 Berkeley Castle
Berkeley Castle, situated in Gloucestershire, holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Britain by the same family, spanning nearly 900 years. This formidable fortress is steeped in dramatic history, most notably as the alleged site of King Edward II's murder in 1327. Beyond its medieval origins and defensive features, it has evolved into a vibrant family home, actively used for events and welcoming the public to explore its rich past.

2:13:40 Rockingham Castle
Originally a Norman fortress ordered by William the Conqueror, Rockingham Castle in Northamptonshire has a history spanning over 950 years. It transitioned from a royal stronghold to a domestic country house, leased by the Watson family in the 16th century, whose descendants still reside there today. The castle boasts strong literary connections, having inspired Charles Dickens, and continues to be a living piece of history, undergoing ongoing preservation and future-focused projects like significant tree planting.