Did you know that Woodeaton Manor House has transformed over the centuries. It stands here today as a testament to changing times and tastes. Let’s delve into its history.
Woodeaton’s story begins long before the current manor house. The village itself has ancient roots. There was a Romano-Celtic temple nearby. It suggests early settlement in this area.
Now focus on Woodeaton Manor House. The original manor was held by Roger d’Ivry after 1086. Later in 1544 Richard Taverner bought the manor. Taverner was known for translating Taverner’s Bible. He built a manor house in the 1550s. Woodeaton remained in his family until 1604.
Time marched on and the manor passed through different families. Sometime between 1623 and 1625 the Nourse family acquired Woodeaton. They were from Middleton Keynes. The manor remained with them until 1774.
Now picture this. John Nourse died without a male heir in 1774. The manor then went to his daughter Elizabeth Weyland. Her husband was John Weyland.
A significant change occurred in 1775. John Weyland demolished the old manor house. He then commissioned the construction of the Woodeaton Manor House that we see today. This new house had a modest exterior at first.
Fast forward to 1791. The architect Sir John Soane enhanced the main rooms. He added marble chimneypieces. An Ionic porch of Coade stone was added too. Soane also designed a service wing and an ornate main hall. His work cost £2,663 9s 7d. Another set of repairs were made to the farm and parsonage.
John Weyland likely met Soane through his uncle. Mark Weyland was Governor of the Bank of England. Soane was appointed architect to the Bank the year before. Soane first visited Woodeaton on 14 March 1790.
The manor remained with the Weyland family until 1912. Captain Mark Weyland sold the house and some land then. Christ Church Oxford now owns much of the former manor lands.
Since 1950 Woodeaton Manor House has served a new purpose. It became an Oxfordshire County Council school. It is for children with special educational needs. The current headteacher of the school is Sarah Stacey.
Woodeaton Manor House is recognized for its architectural and historical value. It is designated as a Grade II listed building.
Think about the layers of history within these walls. From its Norman roots to its Soane enhancements Woodeaton Manor House has witnessed centuries of change. Today it serves as a place of learning and growth. It makes it a living part of Woodeaton’s ongoing story.