Sir Thomas Mompesson MP for Salisbury acquired the site in the late seventeenth century and constructed a house in the classic style of the period. The brick-built domestic wing to the right of the main house was built on the site of the old Eagle Inn, closed in 1625, and also of houses belonging to the vicars choral. Completed by his son Charles in 1701 (see the CM 1702 on the lead rain water down pipe heads) the house eventually passed through marriage to the Longueville family. From 1846 until 1939 the Townsend family lived here. Miss Barbara Townsend , mentioned in Edith Olivier`s book "Four Victorian Ladies", lived here all her 93 years. From 1942 until 1946 the Bishop of Salisbury used Mompesson House as his official residence. Mr Dennis Martineau purchased the freehold in 1952, with the intention of passing the house on to the National Trust, who hold it today.

Opening Hours

Open April to October - 12:00pm to 5.30pm - Closed Thursdays and Fridays

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Text by John Bushell - Photographs by Roger Croft
Extracts from the Salisbury Cathedral Close Guide - © Copyright, Close Publications 1997