House & Family History: From the 17th until the 19th centuries Chew Magna was owned by a number of prominent Quaker families (Vickris, Summers, and Harford), which is why it's not surprising that William Penn preached here in 1687. In 1940 Chew Magna Manor was requisitioned by the British government for military use during World War II; it was quickly abandoned when the British Army discovered that the house had no running water or electricity. That same year the Sisters of the Order of Our Lady of the Missions purchased Chew Manga from the Workman-McNaughton family; the sisters operated a convent and boarding school (Sacred Heart Convent School) here until 2006. Chew Magna was listed for sale for £2.5 million in October 2002; in 2008 the house, together with nine acres, was listed for sale for £2 million. In 2013 Chew Magna Manor was redeveloped for residential use.

Country Life: CXXIX, 1480, 1538, 1961.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Richard Vickris, until 1684; Richard Vickris, 1684-99; Thomas Bishop Vickris, 1699-1751. Richard Summers, 1758-96. James Harford, until 1817; John Harford, 1817-44. Joseph Davies, 1844-56. William Adlam, circa 1856-circa 1900. Edward James Thatcher, early 20th century; Thatcher family here until 1933. Capt. G. Workman-McNaughton, 1933-40.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No