Wightwick Manor

8 September 2026

We set off in drizzle but at Wightwick the sun was shining where we were introduced to a dazzling Victorian house and home.

Commissioned by Theodore Mander in 1887 the timber-framed house looks much

older but was planned with cutting edge modernities such as central heating, electric lighting and even a sauna. It was then preserved for the nation by his son Geoffrey in 1937 together with all the furniture and household effects - a true rarity. The whole family were very artistic and much influenced by William Morris and this was

reflected in the choice of wallpapers and soft furnishings. Good sized information

boards offered fascinating insights into their family life and there were numerous

cozy alcoves where you could image the visiting ‘beautiful people’ enjoying

intellectual debates. Local connections with Kelmscott and William Morris only

added to the interest and there was a wonderful 17th century book on herbs and their medicinal uses which originally came from Kelmscott.

The Mander family continued to add to the art works even after bequeathing the

house to the NT and it now contains a stunning collection of pre-Raphaelite paintings by D G Rossetti, Millais and Burne-Jones and we were informed Andrew Lloyd-

Webber, who is also a keen collector, often visits the house to view the collection.

A stroll through the gardens and a cup of tea in the cafe relaxed our overloaded brains before a smooth journey home amazed by all we had seen and enjoyed.

Many thanks to Sue for arranging such a magnificent trip to Wightwick Manor.