Dogmersfield Park, Hampshire

Dogmersfield Park is a Grade I listed Georgian country house and childhood home of Maria St.John Mildmay who married Henry St.John (later 4th Viscount Bolingbroke) in 1812.

Maria would have recognised the building you see today, a three story brick block with substantial wings and a courtyard. It also has a fascinating history.

In medieval times the manor of Dogmersfield belonged to the Bishops of Bath and Wells, who built a palace there in the 13th century, probably on the site of the present house. Henry VI was a frequent visitor and Henry VII took his eldest son Prince Arthur there to meet the latter's future wife, Katherine of Aragon for the first time.

The manor was acquired in 1539 by Henry VIII and in 1547 granted to Thomas, Lord Wriothesley, who built a house and dovecote there. During the 17th century it passed through a number of hands before being acquired by Ellis St.John. He started to build the present house in 1728 but shortly afterwards. His heir Sir Paulet St.John, 1st Baronet completed the task, later extending both the house and the estate.

During the ownership of his son Sir Henry St.John-Mildmay, 3rd Baronet , the Basingstoke Canal was built through the grounds (1790-92). Following the death of the 6th Baronet much of the parkland was sold. The 7th Baronet died childless in 1929 and the remaining estate disposed of.

Since Spring 2005, after completion of a major renovation, Dogmersfield has operated as The Four Seasons Hotel.