Mapledurham House & Watermill Summary

• Address: Mapledurham, nr Reading, RG4 7TR (Map)
• Tel: +44 (0)1189 723350/724292
• Fax: +44 (0)1189 724016
• Owner: The Mapledurham Trust
• Administrator: Mrs Lola Andrews
• E-mail: Click here to contact
• Website: Go to the Mapledurham House & Watermill website

Mapledurham "the maple tree enclosure" appears in Doomsday as two manors, Mapledurham Gurney belonging to William de Warenne, while Milo Crispin, Lord of the Manor of Wallingford, owned the smaller Mapledurham Chazey.

The larger manor takes its name from Gerard de Gournay, to whom it passed as a marriage portion. It passed again by marriage in about 1270 to the Bardolfs, who were here for about 120 years, until the death in 1395 of Sir Robert Bardolf, esquire of the body to Edward III and Richard II and builder of the aisle, which bears his name. The manor passed in 1416 to his widow’s nephew, William Lynde, whose grandson sold it in 1490 to Richard Blount of Iver; it has belonged to his descendants ever since.

The Blounts claim descent from a Norman family, Le Blond, who came over with William the Conqueror. Richard Blounts great-grandfather, Sir Walter who married Sanchia de Ayala, a Spanish noblewoman, was Henry IV’s standard bearer at the Battle of Shrewsbury (1403); Shakespeare portrays his violent death in Henry IV, part 1.

His son, Sir Thomas (d.1456), was Treasurer of Normandy in the early years of Henry V’s reign; from his eldest son Sir Walter, 1st Lord Mountjoy (d.1474), sprang the line which ended so illustriously with the Earl of Devonshire (1563-1606). Richard Blount, purchaser of Mapledurham, was the son of Sir Thomas’ second son.

The Mapledurham estate was inherited by John Darell-Blount (1833-1908) in 1881, and then went to Edward Riddell, the grandson of his youngest sister who added the name of Blount to his own. Finally in 1943 it passed back to the family of John Darrell-Blount’s eldest married sister, Agnes Mary, wife of Charles John Eyston of East Hendred. Her grandson Thomas was killed in action in 1940 and the estate passed to his son John Joseph Eyston, the present owner.

Since 1960 he has restored the House, and once again it is a family home, where he lives with his wife, Lady Anne, daughter of the late Viscount Maitland. Their three children were raised at Mapledurham and all live nearby. For more about Mapledurham, do view their informative Website.

Watermill and Archimedes Screw Turbine – powering our way into the future :
There has a been a mill on this site since Saxon times and the present building dates from the 15th century, making it the only surviving working watermill on the Thames. Seeing the traditional machinery in action is one of the highlights of your visit to Mapledurham. The wholemeal flour ground here and its by-products bran and semolina can be purchased in both the Mill Shop and the Gift Shop along with other mementos.

Mapledurham are very proud to announce that the recently installed Archimedes screw turbine is now operational. This huge project was started in the Spring of 2011 and finished in the Autumn. A very exciting development which means they are capable of producing green electricity which will be sold to ensure the conservation and future of this historic watermill.

For more about Mapledurham, do view their informative Website.

Opening Times - 2012

• 7th April - 30th September: Saturday, Sunday & Bank Holidays, 2 - 5.30 pm (last admission 5 pm)
• October: Sunday afternoons
• Midweek parties by arrangement only (Tuesday - Thursday)

Admission Prices - 2012

House and Mill:

• Adult - £8.50
• Child (5-16 years) - £3.50
• Senior - £6.50

Further information including opening times and prices

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Events for Mapledurham House & Watermill

• Battle Re-Enactment - 30 June 2012 to 01 July 2012
  Fairfax Battalia transports visitors back to the English Civil War to see how life in the mid-seventeenth century for soldiers and civilians, for aristocrats and ordinary people. With demonstrations of activities, skills and weapons of an infantry regiment as a formal drill display, and in action as a skirmish with Royalist enemies. Take a stroll in the soldier's camp, see how they lived and the extended camp followers, such as wives, quacks and pedlars. Plus other activities too numerous to mention.
• The Importance of Being Earnest By Oscar Wilde - 18 July 2012
  An open air show performed by Chapterhouse Theatre Company. bring a picnic (plus chairs and rug) to enjoy with family and friends while you watch Wilde's hilarious tale of doubles lives and mistaken identities in full period costume. Hot dogs and burgers will be available plus hot and cold drinks as well as a champagne and wine bar. Gazebo seating available, please pre-book early as numbers are limited - table and chairs included.
• Romeo and Juliet - Open Air Theatre - 19 July 2012
  Chapterhouse Theatre Company perform the greatest love story ever out in the open air, bring a picnic (and chairs and a rug) to enjoy with your friends and family while watching this show with its stunning costumes and original music. Hot dogs and burgers will be available plus hot and cold drinks as well as a champagne and wine bar. Gazebo seating available, please pre-book early as numbers are limited - table and chairs included.
• The Sword in the Stone Childrens Workshop - 06 August 2012 to 08 August 2012
  For children aged 7 – 11: Have a great time with Barry and his team producing your own ‘The Sword in the Stone.’ Get involved with stage management, acting, singing, dancing, artwork, publicity and production all covered and at the end of the three days, your friends and family can come to see your show. Plenty of opportunities those who prefer not to act. There are only 40 spaces so please book early.
• Sleeping Beauty at Mapledurham - 15 August 2012
  Gates open for picnics (remember your chairs and rug) at 12 pm with the show starting at 1 pm: Come in fancy dress and join in the fairytale parade during this performance of Sleeping Beauty from Chapterhouse Theatre. new version of this best-loved fairytale. Young and old will love this magical new version set in the 1940s.

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Additional Info for Mapledurham House & Watermill

• Gardens
• Groups
• Weddings
• Disabled Access
• Education
• Accommodation
• Refreshments
• Picnics
• Guides
• Filming
• Gifts
• Shop
• Car Parking

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