Monument record MDO37319 - Manor house at Berne Farm, Whitchurch Canonicorum

The site of a medieval manor house, which had declined into a farmhouse by the eighteenth century and which was destroyed after having been struck by lightning in 1926. Rebuilt in 1928. In the late 16th and early 17th century the house was the seat of Sir George Somers, known as the founder of the colony of Bermuda after he was shipwrecked on the island in 1609.

"... the mansion house of Berne was the late dwelling of Sir George Summers, who was probably born here.... He commanded several naval expiditions in 1595, 1600, 1601, 1602 ... " A small portion of the farmhouse was built in the 14th century. <1-2>

Berne Farm has been partly restored after being struck by lightning and completely gutted circa 1928, and shows no architectural features earlier than this date. The house holds the rights of the lord of the manor of Whitchurch Canonicorum. <4>

<1> Shipp, W, and Hodson, J W (eds), 1863, The History and Antiquities of the County of Dorset. 3rd edition. Volume 2, 253 (Monograph). SWX1269.

<2> Ordnance Survey, 1928, Ordnance Survey Object Name Book reference revision 1928 (Unpublished document). SWX1205.

<3> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1930 (Map). SWX1540.

(SY 38789440) Berne Farm (NAT) Manor House (NR) (Remains of) (NAT)

<4> Swatridge, G C, Various, Field Investigators Comments GCS, F1 GCS 15-FEB-55 (Unpublished document). SWX1169.

<5> Hearne, C M, 1991, Ryall to Charmouth Main. Archaeological Watching Brief. (Unpublished document). SDO203.

<6> Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society, 1992, Proceedings of the Dorset Natural History and Archaeological Society for 1991, 184-185 (Serial). SDO91.

<7> National Record of the Historic Environment, 449772 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Dec 18 2022 2:01PM