Dunham Massey: visit the 17th century house and gardens which have connections to Peterloo Massacre

Nestled in a corner of the North West is a cultural site which has stood for 400 years. Dunham Massey has a house, mill and garden for you and your family/ friends to visit. 

The site is located between Manchester and Cheshire and boasts a house and all seasons garden. In addition to these is a 300 acre deer park with lots of life. 

Dunham Massey’s park was first mentioned in the 1300s, but is thought to have been a popular location for hunting deer and boar before then. Over the years the park became more prominent. 

The current house was built in the early 1600s and has played various roles throughout history. One of its slightly more recent roles was as a military hospital for soldiers injured in the First World War. 

In 1978, the park at Dunham Massey gained scientific interest. Along with the herd of fallow deer the park is home to owls, bats, buzzards, woodpeckers and meadow ants. Of the 227 species present in the park, some of the UK's rarest species of beetle can also be found there. 

Links to Peterloo Massacre

The Peterloo Massacre of 1819 is one of the most infamous events in Manchester's’ history- and Dunham Massey has a strong connection. 

The 6th Earl of Stamford and Warrington George Harry Grey became owner of Dunham Massey in 1819. He served as Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire during the time of the massacre. 

One of the responsibilities of this role was to keep the peace, something which was sanctioned by the King himself. He wasn’t present at the massacre, but George Harry formed part of the chain of command which oversaw the Cheshire militia. 

According to sources and information gathered by National Trust, George Harry believed that those in charge of the protest incited the working classes to believe they had a chance of personal liberty, and in doing so endangered their lives. 

Despite having this view and how he was likely unaware of the full extent of the casualties on the day, evidence suggests that he did support the suppression of the protest.

Admission to Dunham Massey

Admission to Dunham Massey is divided between the house and gardens and then the house and servants courtyard. These prices are outlined below. 

House and gardens

• Adult: £8.50

• Child: £4.25

• Family: £21.25

• Family (1 adult): £12.75

• Adult: £6

• Child: £3

• Family: £15

• Family (1 adult): £9

For further information including full opening times of Dunham Massey, visit the National Trust