History of Latimer

Latimer House
This splendid Victorian Manor House occupies a commanding position overlooking the river Chess and is steeped in history. The oak panelled Cavendish library and Cheyne rooms are ideal for reception drinks whilst the conservatory style Courtyard Restaurant is perfect for dining. The backdrop of the house and grounds is ideal for photographs.

Latimer Mews
Latimer Mews combines the architectural qualities of an 18th Century stable block with a modern glazed atrium creating a light and airy venue. The Stables Restaurant provides an intimate atmosphere for dining and in fine weather reception drinks can be provided on the patio and in the gardens.

Latimer House, a mansion on the hill on the edge of the village, was once a home of members of the Cavendish family who became the barons Chesham. The Third Baron Chesham was a commander in the Boer War. The original Elizabethan house was gutted by fire in the 1830s and the present red brick tudor style mansion was built in 1863. It was visited by Gladstone and Disraeli and was the home of the British military's Joint Service Defence College during the twentieth century. It is now a conference centre and conference facilities and accommodation buildings have been constructed in the grounds.

In the early 1600's Latimer Manor was described as a "fayre house, builded with brick, with orchards, gardens, fish ponds, dove houses, a river running through the grounds with barns, stables... a warren of coneys..., the church or chapel stands at the court gate".

The first mention of there being a manor at Latimer had been in 1194 when it was described in records of the King's Court as part of the Honour of Wallingford

Since that period the manor has played host to the daughters of King Edward I and during 1331 was given to William Latimer by King Edward III. It remained in the ownership of the Latimer family until the middle of the 16th century.

During the early 17th century the manor was bought by William, Lord Cavendish of Hardwick, later Earl of Devonshire. The Cavendish Coat of Arms still adorns the main entrance to this day!

The 17th century saw the manor welcome both Charles I and II. The former when he was a prisoner of the parliamentary army en-route to Hampton Court.

During 1836 the manor was badly damaged by fire. The house was rebuilt in mock-Gothic style and remains an intriguing mixture of Elizabethan and Gothic architecture.

The manor remained in the Cavendish family until the outbreak of the II World War when it was requisitioned for government use. It is believed that in the early war days art treasures from various London museums and galleries were stored here for safekeeping.

During 1942 the military unit known as Number One Distribution Centre, moved to the Manor. It purported to be a supply depot but was, in fact, an important interrogation center where high ranking German and Italian Prisoners of War were held.

It is said that "Rudolf Hess" was held here!!