Arundells

Arundells began life as a medieval canonry within Salisbury’s Cathedral Close. The first known resident was Henry of Blunston, Archdeacon of Dorset, who lived here from 1291 until his death in 1316. For centuries thereafter, it remained home to various church dignitaries, including Canon Leonard Bilson, who gained notoriety in 1571 when he was pilloried and imprisoned for practising sorcery and magic.

In 1609 the property entered a new phase when Sir Richard Mompesson took a lease and carried out extensive restoration. On his death, the house passed via his widow to her family, who retained it until the late 17th century.

Major rebuilding came in 1718 under John Wyndham, whose work gave the house much of its present form. The name “Arundells” itself derives from a later marriage connection: James Everard Arundell, son of the 6th Lord Arundell, wed Wyndham’s daughter Ann, linking the property to one of England’s prominent Roman Catholic families.

Over the years, Arundells has seen many different uses. From 1839 to 1844 it housed the Godolphin Girls’ School, later becoming a boys’ boarding school. During the Second World War, the building served the Red Cross, acting both as a library service centre and as a depot for wool collections.

By the mid-20th century, decades of neglect had left the house in a poor state and demolition was even considered. Its survival owes much to Robert and Charlotte Hawkings, who undertook a major programme of restoration in 1964, rescuing the property and securing its future.

In 1985 Arundells became the home of Sir Edward Heath, former Prime Minister, who lived here until his death in 2005. He left the house and its contents to a charitable foundation, ensuring that his remarkable collections, together with the house and gardens he so loved, would be preserved for the public to enjoy. Today, Arundells remains both a historic home and a unique window into the life and interests of one of Britain’s most prominent statesmen.