The Court House - Court Lane
The Court House - Court Lane


The Court House is thought to be the oldest domestic building in the village and is listed Grade II*. It is an exceptional building originating as a cruck-framed primitive home around the 15th Century.

It was rebuilt and extended into its current form in the 17th century by a wealthy clothier family, the Whittaker's, who left their name and the date 1656 carved over the main entrance door. Another carving - 1626 JWD - can be found inside the kitchen, poignantly memorialising the marriage of John and Dionyse Whitaker, and her death in childbirth in 1626. There are also two splendid Tudor wooden mantlepieces; a large inglenook fireplace; a functioning well; and the structure of a medieval ‘long drop’ toilet.

The house was acquired by the Marquis of Bath in the 18th Century and became part of the Longleat Estate, when it was also used as a Manorial Court. Stories of the infamous ‘hanging’ Judge Jeffries holding sessions there are improbable, although it is possible he may have been an overnight guest while travelling in the area.

A controversial steel and glass rotunda was erected in 1999 at the rear opposite an old thatched granary (Listed Grade II) which is supported by stone stadle stones.

'Then and Now - The Court House, Bratton' Wiltshire Times

'The Court House' by Jean Morrison

Historic England listing for house

Historic England listing for granary

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Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

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