Kelmscott Manor

[2] Kelmscott Manor was the country home of the writer, designer and socialist William Morris from 1871 until his death in 1896.

Today it is owned by the Society of Antiquaries of London, and is open to the public on Thursday, Friday and Saturdays during the summer.

[3] Morris drew great inspiration from the unspoilt authenticity of the house's architecture and craftsmanship, and its organic relationship with its setting, especially its garden.

It also appears in the background of Water Willow, a portrait of his wife, Jane Morris, painted by Dante Gabriel Rossetti in 1871.

May Morris died in 1938 and bequeathed the house to Oxford University, on the basis the contents were preserved and the public were granted access.

Although part of the original orchard has been removed to make a small car park, many fruit trees have been left intact.

The painting Water Willow with Kelmscott Manor in the background
The Manor in News from Nowhere