Restored Elizabethan kitchen opens at Athelhampton

  • Published
RangeImage source, Athelhampton
Image caption,
A massive brick arch was revealed during the restoration

A 450-year-old kitchen hidden by a modern conversion has been fully restored at an Elizabethan manor.

The work was carried out in a previously private part of Athelhampton in Dorset, as part of a three-year restoration programme.

A modern interior was removed to reveal a massive brick arch over a fireplace, bread ovens and serving hatches.

Estate manager Owen Davies said the work on the kitchen "recognised its historical importance".

"It's fabulous - it really brings the house alive as a miniature Hampton Court here in Dorset," he explained.

The kitchen, dating from 1565, is thought to be one of the oldest in continuous use in the country.

Image source, Athelhampton
Image caption,
Athelhampton is one of England's finest Tudor manors

The restoration carried out by local craftspeople included work on its Purbeck stone floor, as well as strengthening the structure.

The kitchen, officially opened by Dorset West MP Chris Loder, will now be seen by members of the public on tours of the house and will be used as an educational facility.

Athelhampton, near Dorchester, is one of England's finest Tudor manors, with a great hall dating back to 1485.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to south.newsonline@bbc.co.uk.

Related Topics

Related Internet Links

The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites.