Did Sir Thomas Bloodworth ever imagine, standing here at Thorncroft Manor, that he’d witness the Great Fire of London? This elegant eighteenth-century manor in Leatherhead, Surrey, has seen its share of history. Thorncroft Manor isn’t just a beautiful building. It’s one of two feudal manors dating back to Norman times. Rebuilt in the 1770s in the Adamesque style, its grounds whisper stories of centuries past. Sir Thomas Bloodworth, Lord Mayor of London during the devastating fire of 1666, once called Thorncroft Manor home. Imagine him here, perhaps strolling the fifteen acres of land, the River Mole flowing gently through the estate. Another notable resident, Colonel John Drinkwater Bethune, a distinguished army officer and military historian, spent his last years at Thorncroft Manor. He now rests peacefully in the nearby parish churchyard. Today, Thorncroft Manor thrives as a hub of modern activity, housing numerous offices within its historic walls. The grand entrance hall leads to stunning office suites, each with high ceilings and views of the sprawling grounds. A modern wing of mirrored glass, a striking contrast to the original structure, was added in the 1970s. During World War II, Canadian soldiers found refuge within Thorncroft Manor. In the 1960s, the manor transformed into a boarding school for girls. From feudal manor to bustling offices, Thorncroft Manor stands as a testament to the ever-changing tides of time. Its walls echo with the lives and legacies of those who walked its halls, a timeless reminder of history’s embrace.
Центральный дом работников искусств
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