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Old Soar Manor
Remains of a late 13th-century knight's dwelling
Plaxtol, Borough Green, Kent, TN15 0QX
Important notice
Old Soar Manor is an unmanned, free to enter site, open April to September from 10:00 - 18:00, Open Wed - Mon, closed Tuesdays.
Opening times for 21 April 2025
Asset Opening time House 10:00 - 18:00 Old Soar Manor is an unmanned, free to enter site, open April to September, 10:00 - 18:00, 7 days a week (except Tuesdays when it is closed).
MTWTFSS311234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829301234OpenPartially openClosed- Dogs allowed
Dogs are welcome in the grounds on short leads but not in the dwelling. Assistance dogs are welcome throughout.
Uneven floors and steps throughout. Narrow, winding stair to first floor rooms. Low, narrow doorways. Please note, the site is unstaffed. Parking in layby next to the gated entrance for max 2 cars. Not suitable for coaches and buses.
- Steps/uneven terrain
- By road
2 miles south of Borough Green (A25); approached via A227 and Plaxtol. Please note the lanes are very narrow on the approach so expect to meet cars, horses and pedestrians.
Parking: Layby next to the gate entrance for maximum 2 cars
- Cycling
Highlights
Manor
Remains of a late 13th-century knight's dwelling in the Kent countryside, including the solar chamber, barrel-vaulted undercroft, chapel and garderobe.
Things to see and do
Article
Exploring Old Soar Manor
Discover what to see at Old Soar Manor, Kent, from the grand private rooms to the tiny architectural touches designed to keep the house and its residents safe.
Upcoming events
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About Old Soar Manor
Rare remaining structure of a late 13th-century knight's dwelling, including the solar chamber, barrel-vaulted undercroft, chapel and garderobe.
Dating from 1290, this medieval Knight’s house is a rare survivor from the time of Edward I.
Built by William le Hore, the property was called the ‘Manor of Sore alias Hores’. From 1348 this was the fortified home of the wealthy Colepeper family. What remains are the private rooms of the lord and his family, which were on the first floor. This provided extra security from thieves who roamed the countryside.
History
The history of the manor
This rare survival of 13th century domestic architecture gives an insight into the life of a rich medieval family. The manor belonged to the Culpepper family, leading Kentish landowners in the Middle Ages. Manor houses of this period were based around a great hall, with a central fire from which the smoke rose to the open rafters. Family and servants would have eaten in the hall and servants slept on the floor. The manorial court was also held here. For privacy, the lord and his close family would retire to these surviving withdrawing rooms, often a parlour with a solar, or upper chamber, above. Today the private quarters of the Culpeppers survive, although the great hall, which was timber, and attached to these rooms, was demolished in 1780 and the surviving red-brick farmhouse you now see, was built in its place.