FOGC - Visit to Kelmscott Manor

The Friends are delighted to offer their members an opportunity to visit Kelmscott Manor. This Grade 1 listed Cotswold manor house was built in 1570 by local farmer Thomas Turner, and remained in this family until the late 1800s. The house is famous for its association with William Morris, who lived here between 1871 and his death 1896.

Morris drew inspiration from the house’s architecture and craftmanship, and its organic relationship with the surrounding nature, especially its garden.

The house and gardens are now open to the public, who can admire its internal décor, which is substantially that of Morris and includes many of his famous textile patterns as well as much of his furniture. The house also contains works by Dante Gabriel Rosetti (who painted Morris’ wife, Jane Morris) and Edward Burne-Jones, among others.

We have arranged a guided tour of the house, given by the manor’s experienced volunteer guides, which will be followed by a home-cooked lunch in their tearoom. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful gardens, which are well known for their roses, and also contain many old trees. You may also want to visit the local village churchyard, where Morris is buried in a tomb designed by his friend and colleague Philip Webb.

NB: Ticket holders need to make their own way to Kelmscott, and if you have any specific dietary requirements please detail them in the 'special requests' box or email office.administrator@fogc.co.uk.

This lecture is open to all, but if you are not already a member of the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral and would like to join (and take advantage of preferential ticket prices), details can be found on our website.