Easthampstead Manor

In the civil parish of Bracknell. In the historic county of Berkshire (Modern Authority of Bracknell Forest, 1974 county of Berkshire).

Royal manor, part of larger forest, and had occasional royal residence of some sort from the early C14 although this used the earlier manor house of John of Droxford, Bishop of Bath and Wells. This house is recorded as being moated and slight remains of this moat are said to be visible.
The lodge within the park was more than a mere hunting lodge. Easthampstead manor was acquired by Edward II from John of Droxford, Bishop of Bath and Wells in 1320. In 1343, the house was converted. There were two buildings arranged about a courtyard. The building on the East was converted from two rooms up and down into eight chambers, and the western bulding, a single room up and down, was converted to five chambers. The hall, chapel and kitchen were reroofed at the same time. In 1392 there were references to a great hall, great chapel, and a spicery. (PastScape ref. His. K. Works)

The Ordnance Survey Map Grid Reference is SU84556710

Air Photo from Air Photo and general mapping	1st edition OS Map from Mid to late 19th century maps
Modern Map from Landscape form and features	Modern Map from General location and route planning
Geograph British Isles occasionally has photos of the site and will usually give an idea of the surrounding landscape.

Sources of information, references and further reading

This site's English Heritage (PastScape) Defra or Monument number is 247793
Further information may be available from the holder of the county Historic Environment Record. In particular 'grey' literature, such as watching brief reports, held by H.E.R.s is often poorly referenced and is unlikely to be recorded in this website, or elsewhere.

• Web site links
  • http://britannia.com/history/berks/easthampstead.html
• Books
  • Colvin, H.M., Ransome, D.R. and Summerson, John, 1982, The history of the King's Works, vol4: 1485-1660 (part 2) (London) p76-8
    Colvin, H.M., Brown, R.Allen and Taylor, A.J., 1963, The history of the King's Works Vol2: the Middle Ages (London: HMSO) p925-6
• Journal Articles
  • Hatherley, J.M. and Cantor, L.M., 1979-80, 'The Medieval parks of Berkshire' Berkshire Archaeolgical Journal Vol70 p74 [download via http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/resources.html?berks_bas_2007]
    Kempthorne, G.A., 1932, 'An Elizabethan Swainmote Court Roll of Finchampstead Bailiwick' Berkshire Archaeolgical Journal Vol36 p112-3 [download via http://ads.ahds.ac.uk/catalogue/resources.html?berks_bas_2007]