Maydencroft Manor combines over 750 years of history with a working farm dedicated to conservation and heritage. From royal visits to pioneering conservation grazing, it is a place where the past, the land, and modern stewardship come together. It also offers flexible spaces for weddings, events, and film shoots, blending heritage and practicality.
First recorded in the Domesday Book and named Madecroft in 1269, it has always been rooted in the land. Over the centuries it welcomed royalty, including Queen Isabella and King Henry VIII.
In 1525, a hawking mishap nearly cost the King his life until his footman Edmund Moody leapt into a ditch to save him — an act of courage that earned a royal pension and a place in Maydencroft’s remarkable history.
Within the grounds stands Bunyan’s Barn, where John Bunyan, author of The Pilgrim’s Progress, is said to have preached to secret gatherings in the surrounding villages. Today, the barn has been restored for weddings and events, uniting centuries-old craftsmanship with modern comfort.
Today, Maydencroft Manor is more than a historic home. It is a working farm, shaped by our family’s commitment to sustainable land management. Our English Longhorn cattle play a vital role in conservation grazing, keeping meadows, parklands, and historic landscapes thriving with wildlife.
This balance of heritage and habitat defines who we are: a place where history, farming, and conservation come together.
Alongside farming, Maydencroft Manor offers spaces for weddings, film shoots, and private gatherings. The restored barn, historic gardens, and nearby parkland provide a rare mix of seclusion and convenience — just minutes from Hitchin and less than an hour from London.
Every event here helps us invest in conservation and keep the landscape alive for future generations.
As a family-run business, we are proud to continue this tradition. For generations, we’ve lived and worked here, combining respect for the past with a forward-looking approach to farming, conservation, and community.
Our role is not just to preserve what has been entrusted to us, but to ensure it flourishes for the future — for wildlife, for people, and for the landscape that makes Maydencroft so special.
Whether you’re drawn by history, inspired by conservation, or looking for a venue with character, Maydencroft Manor offers something unique.
Whether you’re looking to celebrate, collaborate, or learn more about conservation, we’re here to help you make it unforgettable