Mompesson House is located in the peaceful and elegant close of Salisbury Cathedral.
The house is considered to be a perfect example of Queen Ann architecture and presents a splendid facade in this distinguished neighbourhood.
The house was built in 1701 for Charles Mompesson, a local Member of Parliament. His brother-in-law and heir, Charles Longueville, carried out extensive improvements to the property 40 years later.
He redecorated the rooms, added the magnificent carved oak staircase and embellished the house with intricate plasterwork, best seen in the Drawing Room and stairwell.
Mompesson House is now in the care of the National Trust.
When the house was donated to the Trust most of the contents had already been dispersed and the furnishings seen today mainly come from other sources. The house has been furnished throughout as the home of a Georgian gentleman.
The impressive Drawing Room has some superb plasterwork, a wonderful chimneypiece and cut-glass chandelier. It is hung with Dutch flower paintings from the Watney bequest and a mahogany cabinet displays part of the Bessemer Wright collection of English porcelain.
The Green Room ceiling is decorated with a huge eagle which looks down on the splendid walnut furniture. The room has a collection of mezzotints and 17th century stumpwork pictures.
The Dining Room has 18th century mahogany furniture and the table is set with Sevres and Coalport china and fine silverware. Display cabinets in the room contain Derby and Bow figures and a collection of 18th century drinking glasses.
The 'little' Drawing Room has a display of photographs and mementos of Miss Barbara Townsend whose family lived at Mompesson House for around 100 years.
The library reflects the ownership of Denis Martineau who donated Mompesson House to the Trust.
2008: 15 Mar-2 Nov: 11:00-17:00 Mon-Wed & Sat-Sun. Last entry 30mins before close.
Tel: 01722 420980 - Infoline Mompesson House Website
