This attractive William and Mary house of seven bays, with dormers in a hipped roof, stands in the cathedral close in Salisbury. It was built in 1701 for the local MP Charles Mompesson, a member of an established Wiltshire family with a long record in politics. The front door sits amidst an open segmental pediment and a cartouche with swags and trophies. The interior features finely carved overmantels and exceptional stucco decoration throughout, especially in the staircase hall, where King Midas, complete with asses’ ears, is depicted leering at a nymph.
Mompesson House has an important collection of English 18th century drinking glasses as well as some fine 18th - 19th century furniture and porcelain. These intriguing pieces were included in our recent Open Drawers and Doors event. Each of the tables, cabinets and caddies open up to reveal intriguing interiors, and ingenious compartments.
