It began in 1201 as a priory, so the first people to live there were Augustinian canons.
Medieval pilgrims would call at Mottisfort on their way between Winchester and Salisbury. Eventually the community struggled to survive, writing to the Pope asking for financial aid, at one point claiming that an earthquake had hit Hampshire and badly damaged their buildings.
The canons left Mottisfont when all monasteries were abolished in 1536 and Henry VIII gave the estate to his Lord Chamberlain, William, Lord Sandys.
From then on it became home to several major families who turned it into a very comfortable home. It was passed into the care of the National Trust in 1957, so today the public can enjoy time in the house and the grounds.
Read more of the history HERE
At this time of year, the Mottisfont property is magnificent.
The walled Georgian garden is completely ablaze with the blooms of hundreds, if not thousands, of roses and traditional English flowers.
Having said that, it seems my main enjoyment in being at Mottisfont, was wandering through the uncut meadows in search of butterflies.
I was fortunate and saw a Red Admiral and a Meadow Brown. What a thrill.
Meadow Brown (Maniola jurtina) female.
Scarlet Peacock (Anartia Amathea)
I also saw Mallard Ducks. One striking male, and a female with 3 ducklings - seeing that few is certainly different to the 23 ducks we get on our lawn at home, twice a day.
The Mottisfont ducks.........
Location:Romsey, Hampshire, United Kingdom
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