Wolfhall Manor

Wolfhall manor lies in the middle of the peaceful English countryside, but in mediaeval times life on the estate was far from a rural ideal. The manor enjoyed a strong association with well-connected mistresses. One of King John’s mistresses was a niece of the lord of the manor. At the end of the 13th century, mistresses of more respectable kind ruled the estate. Two widows outlived their husbands by many years, and quietly and capably administered the manor. By the 14th century, the wardens of Savernake forest held the estate. Unfortunately, they spent more time fighting over possession of the manor than actually living in it. The last of the wardens ruled England in the name of his nephew until he lost his head upon Tower Green. The manor house did not survive his misfortunes, and entered a prolonged period of decline. The land of the estate was divided into several farms, one of which retains the name. Such was the fate of Wolfhall.