At Heritage Venues we are lucky enough to work with two stunning exclusive venues located in the stunning Berkshire countryside. Each with their own unique selling points, one a 15th Century Manor House & Barns located on a 15acre estate and the other a historic 16th Century venue with its impressive architecture nestled within the 150-acre Vineyard.
In this blog we explore the history of Lillibrooke Manor & Barns in Maidenhead and give you more depth and understand of a venue, which is exclusively yours for the day should you choose to book it for a wedding day, corporate event, gala dinner and more.
Welcome to the enchanting world of Lillibrooke Manor, a place where history and romance intertwine. Nestled in the heart of an idyllic countryside, this stunning manor house holds tales of knights, loyal families, and even secret priest holes. Join us as we embark on a journey through time and discover the captivating history behind Lillibrooke Manor.
Our story begins in the 14th century when the manor, known by various names including Lollebrok and Lowbroke, was home to the Lollebrok family. It is said that the original title of the manor was Lillibrooke, meaning “Babbling Brook” – a fitting name considering its picturesque surroundings.
In 1376, Thomas de Lollebrok fought a court battle to prove his ownership of the manor, marking the first appearance of Lillibrooke Manor in public records. The Lollebrok family thrived in the area for over a century until King Richard II’s reign, when their loyalty to the ill-fated monarch cost them their lands.
However, the manor’s story took a new turn in the early 15th century when it came under the ownership of the renowned Martyn family of Athelhampton House. Around 1490, the current manor house that graces the property was constructed, possibly serving as a residence for the Martyn family during their visits to the Royal Court in Windsor.
In 1541, the Martyn family sold the manor to the trustees of Englefield House, near Reading. Lady Elizabeth, a widow of a knight, became the new owner of Lillibrooke Manor, while her son resided at Englefield. Lady Elizabeth’s tenancy continued even after her passing and played a central role in the 1594 marriage settlement between Francis Englefield and the sister of Viscount Montagu.
Fast forward to the turbulent times of Cromwell’s Commonwealth, when Lillibrooke Manor faced confiscation from its Catholic-believing owner, William. Rumours of a secret priest hole hidden within the property still captivate the imagination. In 1656, a new tenant, Henry Partridge, a citizen and cooper of London, purchased the manor, which remained within the Partridge family until the middle of the 19th century.
During this time, Lillibrooke Manor served as a working farm. It wasn’t until 1988, when massive grain drying bins were removed, that the true magnificence of Lillibrooke Great Barn was unveiled. With its impressive space and rustic charm, the great barn became an incredible venue for celebrations, including weddings.
In 2015, Lillibrooke Manor entered a new phase of its long and storied history when it found new owners committed to cherishing and enhancing this magical historical house. Extensive improvements have been made, with the recent addition of new kitchen and toilet wings and 2020 saw the refurbishment of the Manor House for use as onsite accommodation, designed and styled to blend seamlessly with the grandeur of the Great Barn.
Today, Lillibrooke Manor stands as a true haven for love and celebration, offering a unique combination of history, elegance, and natural beauty. Whether you’re dreaming of a fairy-tale wedding, an unforgettable party, or simply a day to immerse yourself in a magical atmosphere, Lillibrooke Manor welcomes you with open arms.
Come and create your own chapter in Lillibrooke Manor’s extraordinary history. Let the babbling brook and the captivating aura of this beautiful venue be the backdrop to your unforgettable moments.
