Somerset Manor has been inhabited for nearly 1,000 years

Somerset may have the oldest ‘continuously inhabited house’ in Britain, according to Historic England. Saltford Manor House in Saltford is approximately 875 years old and was built around 1150.

Historic England recently included the mansion on a list of candidates for oldest inhabited house, including properties across the country. Set between Bath and Bristol in a small village, the Grade II listed mansion was built with two floors, a fireplace and a hall.

The remains of a painting of a woman, believed to have been added in the 1300s, are still visible. The chimney was added in the 1400s.

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In the 20th century, a new chapel was added. More recently, a barn was built in the 21st century.

Despite its beauty, the mansion was first built in the midst of a bloody civil war called Anarchy. Named for the lawlessness it caused, the Anarchy was a conflict between two rivals for the throne, King Stephen and Empress Matilda.

The manor was owned by the 2nd Earl of Gloucester, William FitzRobert. He was Matilda’s nephew and Stefan’s cousin, so for him, the civil war was a particularly nasty family feud.

If Matilda had won, she would have been the first female monarch in English history. However, peace was eventually reached by an agreement that King Stephen would rule, but upon his death Matilda’s son Henry would inherit the throne.

Henry II continued to reign for 34 years, and our first female monarch would not be crowned for another four hundred years. 1150 was also an important year around the world.

The year Saltford Manor was built:

Historic England isn’t the only organization taking note of Saltford Manor House. In 2003 it won Country Life Magazine’s ‘oldest lived-in property’ poll.

In 2010, the mansion was sold for £1,275,000 (not adjusted for inflation).

Other contenders for oldest ‘continuously inhabited’ house in England:

• Jewish Home, Lincoln, Lincolnshire (854 years)

• Bishop’s Palace, Hereford, Herefordshire (845 years)

• Burmington Manor, Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire (829 years)

• Prebendal Manor House, Nassington, Northamptonshire (824 years)

• Frewin Hall, Brasenose College, Oxford (824-924)

(Note: the age of the houses is an estimate)