Built / Designed For: George Pitt
House & Family History: Kingston Maurward House was built for George Pitt (1663-1735) of Stratfield Saye House (later the home of the dukes of Wellington). Pitt was a cousin of the famous William Pitt the Elder and purchased the Kingston Maurward Estate with the money of his second wife, Lora, daughter of Audley Grey. Thomas Hardy lived nearby and referred to Kingston Maurward House as Knapwater House in his 1871 novel "Desperate Remedies."
Garden & Outbuildings: The 35-acre garden 18th century garden contains the National Collections of Penstemons and Salvias.
Architect: John James
Designed: May have been executant architect for Archer's designs
Title: Country Houses of Gloucestershire: Volume Two, 1660-1830, The
Author: Kingsley, Nicholas
Year Published: 1992
Reference: pgs. 64, 65
Publisher: Sussex: Phillimore & Co. Ltd.
ISBN: 0850338069
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II*
Past Seat / Home of: George Pitt, 18th century; William Morton Pitt, late 18th century.
Current Ownership Type: Government
Primary Current Ownership Use: Mixed Use
Ownership Details: The park and house are owned by Dorset County Council. Part of the house is used by Kingston Maurward College. Rooms of the house can be booked for functions.
House Open to Public: By Appointment
Phone: 01305-215-050
Fax: 01305-215-001
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.kmc.ac.uk
Historic Houses Member: No