The history of Abbots Leigh Manor

The Manor House

The original dwelling on the site of the Manor House was a dower house or lodge dating from the eighteenth century, which can still be seen to the right of the present Manor House. The main section of the house was constructed in the nineteenth century by the Miles family of Leigh Court, who let it to wealthy tenants and friends.  Among its notable tenants was Jeremiah Osborne, founder of the solicitors’ firm Osborne Clarke.

In 1915, the Manor House was sold to Melville Wills of the Wills Tobacco family, and his niece lived there until 1936. The property was then purchased by Sir Edgar and Lady Cadbury, of the well-known confectionery family. Following Sir Edgar’s death in 1968, the house became a training centre for the Dickinson Robinson Group. Since 1985, the property has been used as a nursing home.