The house from a circa 1897 postcard
The Elizabethan Fayre from a 1914 postcard.
Circa 1920 Royal Doulton creamer jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. This scene shows the queen in procession with a jester. In a private collection. Image used by permission.
Circa 1920 Royal Doulton creamer jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.
Top of circa 1920 Royal Doulton creamer jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.
Bottom of circa 1920 Royal Doulton creamer jug celebrating the fictional visit of Elizabeth I to Little Moreton Hall in 1589. In a private collection. Image used by permission.
Built / Designed For: William Moreton
House & Family History: The half-timbered Little Moreton Hall remained in the ownership of the Moreton family until the early 20th century; Bishop Charles Thomas Abraham, the house's last owner (he was a member of the family), donated Little Moreton to the National Trust in 1938. Between June 17 and 20, 1914 a now-famous “Elizabethean Fayre” was held at Little Moreton Hall (see “Images” section). Organized as a fundraiser for local parish schools, the pageant included a fete on the grounds and a series of tableaux that were performed in the house. These celebrations were based on the mistaken belief that that Queen Elizabeth I had visited Little Moreton in 1589 (see “Images” section for photos of an early 20th century Royal Doulton jug celebrating the supposed visit of the queen).
Comments: Little Moreton is considered one of the most important timber-framed moated manor houses in England.
Garden & Outbuildings: At its greatest extent, in the mid-16th century, the Little Moreton Estate spanned 1,360 acres and contained orchards, gardens, and a corn mill.
Chapel & Church: The chapel is extant.
Country Life: XV, 594, 1904. LXVI, 754, 798, 1929.
Title: Movie Locations: A Guide to Britain & Ireland
Author: Adams, Mark
Year Published: 2000
Publisher: London: Boxtree
ISBN: 0752271695
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: William Moreton, early 16th century; William Moreton III, 17th century; Sister Elizabeth Moreton, 1892-1912; Moreton family here from circa 1500 until 1912. Bishop Charles Thomas Abraham, 1912-38. Thomas Dale (tenant), late 19th century; Dale family here from circa 1880 until 1955.
Current Ownership Type: The National Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01260-272-018
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk
Historic Houses Member: No