Mapperton House is the home of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. The family moved from Hinchingbrooke House, near Huntingdon, in the 1950s, bringing with them the family collection. This article will explore the beauty and splendor of the Mapperton Estate including the residence, gardens, and the church all of which can be found on the property. The image above illustrates the vast grounds of the Mapperton Estate with a beautiful view of the residence.
** Although the award-winning Mapperton Gardens are open to the public, at this time, the tours of the Mapperton House have not resumed. Visit the website for more details. **
Mapperton House
Wisteria grows abundantly at Mapperton Estate as shown in this gorgeous image of the Mapperton House.
Library
The library houses many beautiful books that are enjoyed by the residents.
The Drawing Room
Designed to promote the gathering of family and friends as well as to stimulate lively conversation, the welcoming drawing room accomplishes this goal quite nicely.
Great Chamber Bedroom
Luxurious and posh, the great chamber bedroom ensures comfort and tranquility.
Collection
The Sandwich collection includes pictures by Lely, Van de Velde the Younger, Scott, Reynolds, and Hogarth. There are several portraits of Edward Montagu, 1st Earl of Sandwich, who served under Oliver Cromwell and became Charles II’s first general-at-sea. He helped his young cousin, Samuel Pepys, to become the Navy’s first great administrator and the ship models and naval paintings date mainly from this period.
The 4th Earl of Sandwich, credited with putting roast beef between two slices of bread, was an able diplomat and politician. He was First Lord of the Admiralty in the 1770s and a sponsor of Captain Cook’s voyages. He was responsible for reorganizing the navy and improving the ships to the point they withstood France’s aggressive navy under Napoleon.
This stunning staircase also displays the beautiful history that accompanies the Earl and Countess of Sandwich.
Mapperton Gardens
In 2020, Mapperton Gardens was voted Historic Houses Garden of the Year. The Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award, sponsored by Christie’s, recognizes the importance of England’s spectacular gardens with outstanding horticultural and public appeal.
Mapperton Gardens received nearly a quarter of all votes from the public for a shortlist of eight gardens from across England, as selected by Historic Houses, a co-operative association of independent historic houses and gardens.
The Garden of the Year is not judged by professional gardeners. It is voted for by the general public who judge the gardens purely based on their enjoyment of the scenery and landscape.
All Saints Church
All Saints Church is of medieval origin. It was remodeled in 1704, when the windows were restored, and in 1846 when the porch and vestry were added. The south doorway is medieval and the stump of the west tower is 15th century. The carved pulpit and some of the choir stalls are Jacobean; the stained glass dates from mainly the 17th century and is Flemish, with some earlier English heraldic glass. Services are held here during the summer and at major festivals.
Outside view of the All Saints Church
Beautiful Interior of the All Saints Church
The Restored Stained Glass Windows
Conclusion
The Mapperton Estate has all the splendor and beauty that one would expect when visiting the grounds of the Earl and Countess of Sandwich. With its award-winning gardens and magnificent house. the Mapperton Estate is a treasure worth visiting while in England.
