Wolveton Gatehouse

A Brief Introduction To Wolveton Gatehouse

Cover image courtesy of The Landmark Trust.

Tucked away in the picturesque Dorset countryside, Wolveton Gatehouse is a beautiful Tudor structure. Built in the early sixteenth century as the grand entrance to the now-lost Wolveton House, this stunning stone gatehouse has survived centuries of change. The gatehouse once marked the entrance to a grand forecourt, welcoming distinguished guests throughout history –  Sir Walter Raleigh is thought to have visited and later, Thomas Hardy allegedly came to tea at Wolveton.

John Trenchard inherited Wolveton in1480, following the death of his maternal grandfather, John Mohun, who had married Joanna Jourdain, the Wolveton heiress. Shortly after, John began constructing a new house. His son, Sir Thomas Trenchard, carried on the work, creating a courtyard house that was later expanded by Sir George Trenchard. The Gatehouse was completed by Sir Thomas in 1534, during the reign of Henry VIII. Sir Thomas inherited Wolveton in 1495 upon his father’s death, when he was just sixteen years old.

Much of Sir Thomas’s house was demolished in the 1820s, leaving only the ornate Elizabethan wing built by Sir George Trenchard. This surviving wing is remarkable, featuring Tudor Renaissance-style windows with delicate decorations, an impressive display of Elizabethan glass and richly moulded oak and plasterwork.

Images with kind permission from The Landmark Trust.

Stay At Wolveton Gatehouse

The accommodation is primarily located on the first floor, accessible via a wide, ancient oak spiral staircase. The corner turrets are cleverly used as kitchen and bathroom spaces. The two main rooms feature stunning Jacobean fireplaces, each with a turret room adjoining it. Additional bedrooms can be found in the garret above and the guardroom below, accommodating up to six guests comfortably. In winter, guests can enjoy the warmth of the open fire.

Images courtesy of The Landmark Trust.

Historic Properties Nearby

Dorchester is the county town of Dorset, an area known for its stunning coastline, rich heritage and charming countryside. It’s a favourite for history lovers, nature seekers and holidaymakers alike. It has many Tudor places of interest:

Athelhampton House (7 miles)
Herringston House (open only for specific events throughout the year (7 miles)
Portland Castle (13 miles)
Tudor House Museum (14 miles)
Edmondsham House (tour only – info here) (20 miles)
Sherborne Castle (20 miles)
Corfe Castle (20 miles)

Dorset is famous for its Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Durdle Door, Lulworth Cove and Old Harry Rocks are well worth a visit.

Visitor Information

For more details on the accommodation, visit Wolveton Gatehouse’s website here.

Contact Details: Book using the form here.

Address: Wolveton, Charminster, Dorchester DT2 9QN.