On the B3082, 1 mile NW of Wimbourne Minster and 9 miles from Blandford Forum.
No trace of the earlier manor house survives, except for some archaeological remains unearthed in 1990
The present house is owned by the National Trust; open to public at stated times.
13th c. house built
1444 decline began when John Beaufort died at Kingston and the income of the manor was granted to over 30 different people.
15th c. records of repairs to the manorial buildings as late as 1462, but in 1485 the neighbouring manors of Canford and Kingston were granted to Margaret Beaufort by Henry VII. She chose to live at Canford.
1493 house had fallen into ruin. In 1495 Wimborne churchwardens' accounts indicate that buildings were already being used as quarry for other buildings
1530s house described by Leland as a 'fair maner place...in a maner now clerely defac'd' (3.256)
1573. An inquiry found the chapel and adjoining manor house both in a state beyond repair, and nothing sound except the side walls of the house
1660-5 New house built by Ralph Bankes on the same site, called 'Kingston Hall'. Replaced his earlier residence, Corfe Castle, destroyed by the Parliamentary army.
1819-39 extensive remodelling by William Bankes, who renamed the house with its original name, Kingston Lacy. Architect was Charles Barry.
| Name | Dates | Titles |
|---|---|---|
| Gaunt, John of | 1340-1399 | 10th Earl of , Earl of , 12th Earl of , 5th Earl of , 2nd Duke of , 8th Earl of , King of , Duke of |
