Kingston Maurward History

Kingston Maurward House was built between 1717 and 1720 for George Pitt, probably to the design of the architect John James of Greenwich. Eighteen years earlier Pitt had married Laura, the last of the Greys, who lived in the Elizabethan Manor House at Kingston Maurward. The Greys had owned the Estate for many generations, acquiring it through marriage, from the Maurwards who were the ancient Lords of the area.
 
George Pitt, a cousin of Prime Minster Pitt, was 58 when he had the House built, living here for fourteen years until his death in 1734.

Thomas Hardy who lived in the nearby village of Lower Bockhampton was a frequent visitor as a boy during the mid 1800's and he later referred to Kingston Maurward House as "Knapwater House" in his novel Desperate Remedies. Hardy's cottage which is owned by the National Trust is located near by.
 
Between 1918 and 1920 the formal gardens to the west of the mansion were laid out by the Hanbury family, who also owned La Mortola in Italy.

The house was occupied during the war by American service men and the extensive parkland was used as a fuel dump for the D Day landings.
 
The gardens have undergone extensive restoration since 1990. The Gardens and Animal Park are now open to the public all year.