Earlier Houses: The current house is built on the site of an earlier house.
Built / Designed For: Sir John Dormer
House & Family History: The current house was designed for Sir John Dormer by an unknown architect; construction began in 1596 and was completed 1626 on the site of an earlier house. The brick house (the bricks were fired on the estate from local clay) is long and narrow and only one room deep in many parts. Dorton House is noted for its very fine and elaborate 17th century plaster ceilings. Sir John Fletcher purchased Dorton in 1783 and it remained in hands of his descendants until it was sold in 1928 to Major Michael Beaumont. The Royal London School for the Blind purchased the House in 1939; it remained in their ownership until 1955, when James Harrison bought Dorton for Ashfold School, in whose ownership it remains today.
Architect: Unknown (designed by an unknown architect)
Date: 1596-1626Country Life: XV, 522, 1904.
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Sir John Dormer, late 16th-early 17th centuries. Sir John Fletcher, late 18th century. Major Michael Beaumont, early 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: School
Primary Current Ownership Use: School
Ownership Details: Today Ashfold School
House Open to Public: No
Phone: 01844-238-237
Fax: 01844-238-505
Email: [email protected]
Website: http://www.ashfoldschool.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: No