Welcome to Stately Homes

As far back as 1290 there was a "Slade Hall" in the Parish of Cornwood, Devonshire. The "Crest" of "Ostrich feathers" and the arms of "Three Horses Heads" is believed to have been granted to "Slade of Slade Hall" in the reign of Edward 1, the "Motto" then being "Facta non Verba."

Maunsel House, the imposing 13th century manor house situated in the quiet village of North Newton, was inherited by the 7th Baronet, Sir Benjamin Slade Bt in 1982 and has been the ancestral seat of the Slade family since 1772. The Slades migrated from Dorset where they were established since 1660, and previously from Bleubury Berkshire. In 1772 John Slade purchased Maunsel House and St. Michael’s Church from Richard Scafton on the occasion of his marriage to Charlotte Portal (of Spanish origin).

From this marriage came John, who later became a Cavalry General and the 1st Baronet. He was later awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Hanover by the King of Hanover. The Slade family between 1772 and 1868 built two further wings of Maunsel, to the North and West. In more recent times, Lady Freda Slade, widow of Sir Alfred Slade 5th Baronet and Sir Benjamin’s mother, lived alone for several years in the medieval kitchen of Maunsel. She was a greatly respected figure in the village of North Newton and remembered for her love of animals.

Sir Benjamin Julian Alfred Slade, Bt. was born 22nd May 1946 and educated at Millfield School, Somerset. He worked in various different businesses in Australia before returning to London in 1971 to work as a stockbroker in the City of London. Sir Benjamin founded Shirlstar Container Transport Limited in 1973 with £200 and built the business up into a leading container transport company. Shirlstar Container Transport Ltd later became part of Shirlstar (Holdings) Ltd and the container fleet was sold in the late 1980s. Since then, Sir Benjamin's business interests have diversified into high technology, food retail, property investment, agricultural land and insurance.

Since Sir Benjamin first moved into Maunsel, he has undertaken an extensive restoration programme for both the house and the surrounding estate. This has included the buying back of various parts of land sold off by ancestors and returning the house to a befitting state. Currently Sir Benjamin's task continues, with further schemes and new ideas to return Maunsel to its rightful condition coming to fruition.

Maunsel House and its grounds provide an ideal location for traditional wedding receptions, corporate events and entertaining in style. Set in the Somerset countryside, with ample parking facilities and spacious rooms; Maunsel is an exclusive location for both you and your guests to enjoy yourselves in magnificent surroundings. For more information and contact details, visit their Website.

Opening Times - 2010

Coach and group parties welcomed by appointment. Caravan rally field available.

The Ballroom:
Their large regency Ballroom is extremely light, with ceiling high French windows opening out onto the lawn, ancient cedar tree and parkland beyond. The walls are opulently hung with old masters and the windows are all framed with exquisite, pale gold silk curtains. The Ballroom is an ideal setting for civil ceremonies and wedding breakfasts with seating for up to 102 guests.

The Dining Room:

In the Dining Room you are presented with an incredibly elegant sage green room, hand blocked with a delicate gold motif, the centrepiece of which is a sixteen-foot solid walnut dining table. The dining room has fabulous high ceilings and beautiful Regency French windows that can be opened out onto our manicured lawns. A portrait of The Prince Regent, one of Sir Benjamin’s ancestors, looks down hungrily on festivities from beside our marble fireplace, which in winter holds a roaring fire.

The Library:

The library provides the perfect space to sit in Victorian Gothic splendour and comfort. At one time a Chapel and Estate office, the library was knocked into one room in the nineteen twenties. The walls are panelled with American pine and the room is dominated by the most magnificent stone fireplace made from Ham stone that provides a wonderful focal point.

This room is steeped in history that no one can ignore, just look up and you will see a collection of the Slade family portraits, from General Sir John Slade Bt. to more recent Slade family members. This room also has French windows which open out onto our beautiful conservatory leading into the walled orchard garden and rare breed wildfowl enclosure, perfect for late afternoon strolls.

The antique bandstand on the front lawn is now licensed for civil weddings, which is proving really popular. They have also renovated 3 cottages on the estate, all within walking distance of the main house, for extra accommodation for the wedding parties and mid week break holidays.

The Garden and Grounds:

The garden and grounds at Maunsel are extensive and provide many views to enjoy. Features include a series of lakes, a recently planted avenue of trees, various outbuildings, adjoining marshlands that provide a sanctuary for wild birds and the Taunton and Bridgwater canal which acts as a border to much of Sir Benjamin's land. The beautiful Somerset countryside within which Maunsel resides, truly complements the splendour of the house.