Nestled in the heart of Somerset, Court House Farm is a place where history unfolds at every turn. The site has a rich heritage dating back to pre-Doomsday (1000 AD), with the present buildings dating from the medieval period (circa 1350 AD). Over the centuries, it has evolved from an important manor estate to a secluded treasure in need of restoration.
At the heart of Court House Farm are two significant manor houses: the medieval manor, brimming with unique charm, and the later Tudor manor house, dating from approximately 1525 AD. The Tudor manor features a striking hexagonal tower, adding grandeur to the site. Surrounding the manors are a range of later listed buildings, including a magnificent barn, a sizable cowshed, and other stone outbuildings, all bearing witness to the farm’s historic importance. The site once bustled with activity, supported by a network of smaller wooden buildings and workers' dwellings, but in recent years, it fell into disrepair.
The farm is part of the conservation area of Portishead, near Bristol, and has witnessed many changes over the centuries. Yet, its story is far from over. The continued restoration of these buildings preserves not only the past but also the spirit of a time long gone, inviting visitors to connect with the history that shaped this enchanting place.
A place with soul and steeped in history
‘Old Manor House, Portishead, Somerset’
Watercolour Painting by William Walter Wheatley 1811-1885
Learn more of the history
Local historian Sandy Tebbutt has written an article with some more of the history of this wonderful site