Bradley Manor

Bradley Manor, set in a valley of meadow and woodlands, is a superb example of medieval domestic architecture.

Richard Yarde inherited the original 13th century building from his grandmother in the early 15th century. Most of the present building dates from around 1420 when Yarde set about altering and enlarging the house.

The chapel was included in this remodelling and this remains, together with the Great Hall, Solar and porch.

The L-shaped manor house was built of roughcast local limestone limewashed white. The doorways and fireplaces were constructed of granite and the roof was made of slate. In 1495 the gabled front was added.

The gatehouse and some lesser buildings have been destroyed but apart from 19th century castellations the building remains mainly as it was in the 15th century.

The interior of the house is still medieval in plan. The hall is set to one side of the screens passage which runs across the house. Many of the windows date from the 15th and 16th century. There is some contemporary carving in wood and stone and painted Tudor decoration. In an upstairs room is an example of 17th century plasterwork.

The projecting chapel has a splendid Perpendicular window and its wooden wagon roof has some interesting carved bosses.

Bradley Manor remained the property of the Yarde family until it was sold it in 1750. Over the years the house changed hands several times. As its style of architecture became out of fashion it was converted into a farmhouse and poultry was kept in the chapel.

In 1909 the manor house was rescued by a descendant of the Yarde family. He restored the building and in 1938 it was given to the National Trust by his daughter.