The Manse at Bourton

The Manse was built in 1851 to house the Minister for the Baptist Chapel (N959) that was built next door at the same time. It was commissioned and paid for by Henry Tucker (N147) a wealthy businessman who was a strong devotee of the Baptist faith. It was used for that purpose until the beginning of the 20th century when the chapel stopped holding services.

The Manse was leased by various people but there was a period at the beginning of the Second World War when the chapel was requisitioned for military use. The exploits of the soldiers caused some discomfort to the occupiers of the Manse. Documents within the Bourton House papers (BHP) that were placed in the care of Shrivenham Heritage Society, record the events of the time. To see a precis of what the documents contain, please go HERE.