TV Plots: To the Manor Born

TV Plots is a new series in which Diarmuid Gavin visits gardens made famous by iconic TV programmes such as Dallas, Darling Buds of May and Morse.

We start the series with a trip around the grounds of Cricket House, in Somerset, made famous as the Manor in To the Manor Born.

The sitcom revolved around Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton, played by Penelope Keith, who, following the death of her husband is forced to sell her beloved Grantleigh Estate to the nouveau riche Richard DeVere, played by Peter Bowles. Her disapproval of his tenure as Lord of the Manor eventually gives way to romance and marriage.

The estate was a key character in the story and Cricket St Thomas provided a rich backdrop for many of the storylines revolving around country life. Incidentally, Audrey & Richard aren’t the only famous couple whose romance blossomed in the grounds, Lady Hamilton was wooed by Lord Nelson in the gardens.

During his visit Diarmuid relives the making of the series with Penelope Keith and series producer/director Gareth Gwenlan; he also meets John Taylor whose family owned the house and estate during the filming; and also tours the grounds with Dave West, former head gardener for forty six years.

If you enjoy the film and fancy spending some time at Cricket House, the good news is that these days you don’t have to be to the manor born to stay there, as it is now a Warner Leisure Hotel.

With thanks to

Penelope Keith and Rodney TimsonGareth GwenlanJohn and Stephen Taylor and Peter Spence (and Gwen).Dave WestSteven Grainger and all the staff at Warner Leisure HotelsSwandon Holiday Lodges

Find out where else Diarmuid is visiting on his TV Plots travels