Haseley Manor

During the period of the Domesday Book, there was a Saxon Manor House located in Haseley that was in the ownership of the Earl of Wessex, who eventually became King Harold. Following the demise of Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William I, also known as William the Conqueror, assumed control of the land. Subsequently, the ownership of the property was transferred to his son, William II, sometimes referred to as William Rufus, who met his demise in the New Forest in 1100. Following the demise of William II, the ownership of the land was then transferred to Engelger de Bohun, a Norman Baron, who in turn bestowed it upon Quarr Abbey in the year 1136. The transfer is documented in one of the most ancient deeds now preserved in the British Museum.

The property was in the ownership of Quarr Abbey for a span of 400 years, during which it served as a Monastic Grange with a particular focus on the wool trade. During that period, an extension was constructed on the southern side of the ancient Saxon Manor House. The upper portion of the large wool chamber, situated in the South wing, was supported by mediaeval elevated cruck roof beams.

During the period of the Reformation, the ownership of the property transitioned to individuals in the private sector. In the 16th century, a portion of the preexisting property was partially demolished, subsequently being rebuilt with a new wing. During the 18th century, a portion of the Manor House underwent a process of Georgianization and was subsequently expanded. One of the newly installed timbers in the Wedding chamber bears the inscription of the year 1787.

Following a period of about 350 years under the control of the Fleming and Wills-Fleming family, the Manor House had a change in ownership in 1952. Subsequently, the property was divided to accommodate three families of agricultural workers. However, over time, the Manor House was eventually abandoned and fell into a state of disrepair. The property was acquired in 1976 by Mr. and Mrs. Young, who started the process of restoration two years thereafter. Subsequently, they opened the property to the public, transforming it into a museum dedicated to showcasing the history of rural and agricultural life. The revenue generated from this source facilitated the ongoing restoration efforts, as well as the acquisition and reconstruction of several antiquated barns and granaries.

The closure of the museum occurred in the year 2000 subsequent to the acquisition of the Manor by its current proprietors.

• http://www.haseleymanor.com

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haseley_Manor_(Isle_of_Wight)