The Manor Reborn: The transformation of Avebury Manor

Forewords by Penelope Keith and Paul Martin

Avebury Manor in Wiltshire, one of the most beautiful houses in England has been empty for years. Its owners, the National Trust, have teamed up with the BBC and an enthusiastic team of experts and volunteers to transform the house and bring it back to life. This book accompanies the landmark BBC 1 series and follows the restoration of a lovely historic house as an immersive visitor experience, where the public can touch, sit on and enjoy all aspects of the house.

The history of Avebury Manor itself is fascinating and includes stories of many of its eccentric owners over its lifetime; from the first owner who ended up in the Tower; a governor of Jamaica who ate and drank himself to death, to a marmalade magnate who specialised in racy women and witchcraft.

The Manor Reborn follows the renovation each step of the way and tells the story of a house over five centuries, from the age of Elizabeth I through to the eve of World War 2. The book explores a wide range of craft and furniture-making skills, taking inspiration from other great houses across the country. Nine rooms in Avebury Manor are furnished and decorated by Penelope Keith and Paul Martin's team of expert craftsmen in four period styles – Tudor, Georgian,Victorian and pre-war Modern, including a walled Victorian kitchen garden.