The History of Charlton Park

Charlton Park has been in the possession of the Earls of Suffolk since the late 16th Century. The land on which Charlton Park Mansion is built belonged originally to the Abbey of Malmesbury.

At the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539, the fabric of the Abbey and much of its property was bought by a prosperous clothier of Malmesbury named Stumpe. By the end of the century the part of his estate which included Charlton was passed to his great-granddaughter, Catherine, daughter of Sir Henry Knyvet (whose tomb is in Charlton Church).

Catherine’s second husband was Lord Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk; Charlton Park House was built for her on the property which she had brought into the marriage. It was ready for occupation by 1607.

After Catherine’s death Charlton Park was inherited by her second son, Thomas, who in 1626 was created the first Earl of Berkshire. His descendants lived here until the union of the Suffolk and Berkshire families in the mid-18th Century.
The current Earl is the 21st Earl of Suffolk and the 14th Earl of Berkshire.

Charlton Park Airstrip

Charlton Park Estate has two private grass airstrips (02/20 or 07/25).
Landings can be arranged with prior permission. For more information consult Pooley’s Flight Guide.

Logs available

Charlton Park offers logs sourced from trees maintained on the Estate. Part-Seasoned Firewood – Felled within the six months and around 30% moisture content. Half and full loads are available and delivered free of charge (up to 10 miles).

Logs are currently out of stock, but do check back when you next need to order and we will update when possible.

£ 140.00 per load (400kg approximately per load or 1.35m3).

Please contact the Estate Office for more details or enter your details in our form.

Sustainable Christmas Trees

Charlton Park has been growing Christmas trees for over 20 years and all our trees are sustainably grown and harvested. Following a walk around the walled garden you can select your own tree.

You can choose to dig up your own tree and take it away – but remember to bring your own spade! Delivery is available at a reasonable cost by prior arrangement only.