Avon Tyrrell: A History of the Manor and its Arts & Crafts Legacy
Nestled within the New Forest—a historic royal hunting forest—the manor of Avon Tyrrell stands as a testament to centuries of English land ownership and architectural evolution. From its roots following the Norman Conquest to its transformation into a masterpiece of the Arts & Crafts movement, the estate's history is intertwined with political figures, legendary accidents, and aristocratic lineage.
The Early Years and the Legend of Tyrrell's Ford
Following the Norman Conquest of 1066 and the recording of the Domesday Book in 1086, the manor of Avon was held by the Peverell family. This tenure lasted until the mid-14th century. In 1363, Sir Henry Peverell died holding the nearby manor of Milton, leaving his heir, Thomas Peverell, who subsequently granted the land to Sir Thomas Tyrrell in 1365.
From this point forward, Avon and Milton remained within the Tyrrell family. Notable members included Sir John Tyrrell (c. 1382–1437), a prominent figure who served as the Speaker of the House of Commons, Treasurer of the Royal Household, and Knight of the Shire for Essex.
While the family's documented ownership began in the 14th century, local legend links the name to an earlier figure: Walter Tirel. In 1100, Tirel accidentally shot King William II with an arrow in the New Forest. Fearing charges of regicide—the killing of a king—Tirel is said to have fled across the River Avon at a location now known as Tyrrell's Ford.
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Changing Hands: From the Webbs to the Fanes
The manor changed ownership in 1602 when John Tyrrell sold it to Bennett Wynchecombe and Giles Tooker, who then sold it to Sir John Webb, 1st Baronet. The estate remained with the Webb family for generations until the 5th Baronet, Sir John Webb, sold the property to bankers Edward Buckley Batson and Stanlake Batson.
The lineage then shifted through marriage and inheritance. Anne Batson, sister of Stanlake, married Henry Fane of Fulbeck Hall. The estate eventually passed to their second son, the Rev. Edward Fane, and then to his son, Henry Hamlyn-Fane. Henry married Susan Hester Hamlyn-Williams, the heiress of Clovelly in Devon, and adopted the "Hamlyn" surname.
By 1912, the property was held by Eveline Harriet Hamlyn-Fane, passing upon her death to her sister, Constance Hamlyn-Fane, the wife of John Manners-Sutton, 3rd Baron Manners.
The Architectural Transformation of Avon Tyrrell House
The 3rd Baron Manners is perhaps most famous for his sporting achievement in 1882, when he won the Grand National as the owner, trainer, and rider of his horse, Seaman. Using the substantial winnings from this triple feat, he commissioned the architect W. R. Lethaby to rebuild Avon Tyrrell House in 1891.
The resulting structure is now a Grade I listed building, recognized as one of the archetypal examples of Arts & Crafts architecture—a movement that emphasized traditional craftsmanship and natural forms over industrial mass production.
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The estate was later inherited by the 4th Baron Manners, Francis Manners. During World War II, the house was requisitioned by the government. Following the war, the family chose not to return to the residence, and by 1968, Francis Manners resided nearby at Tyrrell's Ford in Christchurch, Hampshire.
Key Facts
- Location: New Forest, Hampshire, England.
- Architectural Style: Archetypal Arts & Crafts.
- Architect: W. R. Lethaby (rebuilt 1891).
- Listing Status: Grade I listed building.
- Legend: Associated with Walter Tirel, who accidentally killed King William II in 1100.
- Notable Owner: 3rd Baron Manners, who funded the rebuild with Grand National winnings.
Summary of Ownership Transitions
| Period/Date | Owner/Family | Key Event |
|---|---|---|
| Post-1086 to mid-14th C. | Peverell Family | Initial tenure after Domesday Book. |
| 1365 to 1602 | Tyrrell Family | Acquired from Thomas Peverell. |
| 1602 to late 18th C. | Webb Family | Purchased by Sir John Webb, 1st Baronet. |
| Late 18th C. to 19th C. | Batson and Fane Families | Purchased by bankers; passed via inheritance. |
| Late 19th C. to mid-20th C. | Baron Manners | House rebuilt in 1891; later requisitioned in WWII. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the architect of the current Avon Tyrrell House?
The house was rebuilt in 1891 by the architect W. R. Lethaby, creating a building that is now considered a prime example of the Arts & Crafts style.
How was the rebuilding of the house funded?
The 3rd Baron Manners used the large sum of money won from a wager after winning the 1882 Grand National as the owner, trainer, and rider of the horse Seaman.
What is the legend associated with Tyrrell's Ford?
Legend says that Walter Tirel, who accidentally shot King William II in 1100, crossed the River Avon at this ford while fleeing to avoid accusations of regicide.
Why did the Manners family leave Avon Tyrrell?
The property was requisitioned by the government during World War II, and the family decided not to return to the residence after the war ended.
What is the architectural significance of the building?
Avon Tyrrell House is a Grade I listed building and is regarded as one of the archetypal buildings of the Arts & Crafts movement.