A house with
a rich history

Saxon Lord Godric is the earliest known landowner of Solton Manor

After the Norman Conquest, Bishop Odo de Bayeux, half brother of William I, becomes tenant-in-chief

Solton Manor is recorded in the Domesday Book with a population of 4 families, putting it in the smallest 20% of settlements recorded

Solton Manor passes to Henry Holland for knight’s service

The house passes to Italian Robert Finet whose grandfather came to England with Cardinal Lorenzo Campeggio

John Finet is born in the house who  later becomes Master of Ceremonies to James I and Charles I and is knighted. His portrait by Tintoretto hangs in the National Portrait Gallery

Soltan Manor is sold to John Matson, Mayor of Dover, upon whose death it goes to his son Henry Matson. 

During an unfortunate incident on the pier, Henry’s walking stick is caught in the trunnel holes causing him to slip and blaspheme in front of the lady he intended to marry.

She walked away in disgust and Henry vowed that he would leave money in his will to pay for ongoing repairs to the pier so no-one else would feel the shame he did.

The house is given to The Commissioners of Dover Harbour to pay for ongoing repairs to the pier, a move that led to the annual Trunnel Feast.  

Following a family fall-out over the will, the Harbour Commissioners sell Solton Manor to Thomas Hatton of Buckland

Arthur Burr is the new owner of Solton. He ran the Kent coalfields for almost 20 years and is given the Freedom of Dover for being ‘one of the greatest benefactors Dover had ever known’ in 1913

Arthur Burr becomes bankrupt after facing legal action for fraud and is branded a ‘dangerous rogue’ by the court. Solton Manor becomes a working farm

A Messerschmitt 109 aircraft force lands on the estate after engagement with RAF fighters. The farmer’s daughter, Jean Weir, is photographed sitting in the cockpit after the pilot, Fritz Beeck was taken prisoner

Solton Manor is bought by new owners who begin transforming the manor house, Dutch barn and period outbuildings into one of Kent’s best wedding venues

As we step into 2024, our dedicated and seasoned team continues to deliver an unparalleled service that is second to none. We take great pride in curating unforgettable experiences for weddings, parties, events, and getaways at our stunning venue. Our passion shines through in every detail, forging strong connections with each couple we have the privilege of working with.