Manor Farm

In 1983 Manor Farm was one of the oldest buildings in the village, the house being built in 1690 with extensions added later.  It contained original beams and a very old stone fireplace. See also 'The Manor' page - click here 

From as long ago as the middle of the 18th Century at least it was farmed by various members of the Elton family, ancestors of Miss Doris Carter of the Yews Farm, Haunton..  When Miss Carter's Great Grandfathers died at Manor Farm, late in the 19th Century, her Grandmother, married John Lees of Upton Warren, Worcestershire, and the family came to live at Manor Farm.

The farm remained in the Lees Family, through John Lees, Uncle of Miss Carter, until 1922/23 when Mr P H Mercer took over.  He was succeeded by his son Alexander Wylie Mercer and lastly Roger Mercer.

The Mercers of Manor Farm have left their mark in many Countries.  Pigs from their famous Large White Herd have been widely exported, often for foundation stock.  They have been sent to many parts of the world including Russia, France, Belgium, Hungary, Africa and the Americas.

Many Show Awards were won with the Large Whites.  In the Royal Show in 1964 the Herd had great success winning five firsts and three seconds in seven classes ranging from Porkers to Heavy Pigs.  They also took four of the Show's principal trophies including the Supreme Award for the best pair of pigs of any kind and they had the Reserve Supreme Champion Single Pig.

1983 Pedigree Pigs were no longer reared at Manor Farm, but the farm became noted for its Pedigree Cattle amongst other things.

The Manor Farm became up for sale in 1983.  It was sold, demolished and on its site Churchside was built.

The Manor House remains at the entrance to Manor Lane/ Main Road.

"Damsons in distress"

Many years ago a greengrocer, who shall remain nameless, was delivering groceries on his horse and cart. He left his horse to go 'scrumping' for damsons in the orchard to Manor Farm. Little did he know while he had left his post youngsters from the village were helping themselves to groceries!

See Christine Mercer's memories

Find out more about Mr Wallis- a worker at Manor Farm here