The manor at Cranborne is based on a former royal hunting lodge built by King John in 1207. It is, therefore, one of the oldest surviving domestic buildings in England. The baronial courts of Cranborne Chase were held at the manor, and medieval dungeons now form part of the manor cellars.
History
Robert Cecil, later to become the first Earl of Salisbury rebuilt the house to create a fascinating mix of Italian and Flemish styles. King James was a frequent visitor, but that did not stop the 2nd Earl from supporting Parliament in the Civil War.
The house was damaged when some 4,000 Royalist troops were stationed in Cranborne and it was not totally restored until the 2nd Marquess of Salisbury rebuilt the manor in 1863.
The Tradescant Gardens
The extensive gardens surrounding the manor house were laid out by 17th-century gardening pioneer John Tradescant. They include a white garden and an enclosed garden, as well as orchards, a mount garden, and yew hedges.
This is a very attractive garden, and the setting surrounding the historic manor house is unforgettable. A popular garden centre is attached to the manor gardens.
The house is not open to the public, but the gardens are open regularly and are well worth a visit. Beside the garden is the historic parish church of St Mary & St Bartholomew.
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About Cranborne Manor Gardens
Address: 4 High Street, Cranborne, Dorset, England, BH21 5PS
Attraction Type: Garden
Location: In the centre of Cranborne, beside the church
Website: Cranborne Manor Gardens
Email: info@cranborne.co.uk
Location map
OS: SU054133
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
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17th century (Time Period) - 17th century (Time Period) - Civil War (Architecture) - Civil War (Architecture) - King John (Person) - King John (Person) - Medieval (Time Period) - Medieval (Time Period) - Royalist (Person) - Royalist (Person)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Cranborne, St Mary & St Bartholomew - 0.1 miles (Historic Church) 
Edmondsham House and Gardens - 1.2 miles (Historic House)
Edmondsham, St Nicholas Church - 1.2 miles (Historic Church) 
Wimborne St Giles Church - 1.7 miles (Historic Church)
Knowlton Church and Earthworks - 2.7 miles (Historic Church)
Gussage All Saints Church - 3.7 miles (Historic Church)
Horton, St Wolfrida's Church - 4 miles (Historic Church)
Chalbury, All Saints Church - 4.6 miles (Historic Church)
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