Chelmsford & District National Trust Supporter Group

Originally built around 1460, the Gothic knapped flint structure of Mannington Hall, surrounded by a moat, proudly displays its motif chimneys and south-facing turrets. It was sold to Horatio Walpole, the first Lord Walpole, in the middle of the 18th century. Horatio was the diplomat brother of Sir Robert Walpole, known as our first Prime Minister, and the Hall is still a Walpole family home today. This moated medieval structure is shielded by wild woodland and sloping pastures and sits in a valley of Ancient Coppice woods. The streams, lakes and water meadows are full of wild flowers, and are rich in wildlife. There are Hunting Barn Owls, harvest mice, many species of plant and abundant butterflies, as well as kingfishers and otters in the area. In the Chapel Garden Victorian follies surround the ancient ruins of Mannington Church. There is a sensory garden with a water feature and plants selected for touch, scent and colour. We will be given a conducted tour of the Hall and time to look round the garden.