Athelhampton's history and that of its inter-related families covers more than a thousand years. Much of the present house has stood for over five centuries. 

Athelhampton has been built for over five centuries, with successive owners adding (and removing) to the buildings you see today.

• The initial site inhabited from 1086 was built on in 1485 with the creation of the Great Hall, Solar & Buttery.
• A 160 acres deer park was enclosed in 1485. 
• The West Wing and Gatehouse added in 1550
• The addition of building to the rear of the house and division into four separate dwellings.
• In 1862 the Gatehouse is demolished and the Church of St.John at Athelhampton is built.
• Major restoration and the creation of the formal gardens in 1891.
• In 1920-1 the building of the North Wing at the rear of the House.

The historical ghost of Athelhampton is that of an Ape, which belonged to one of the Martyns in the sixteenth century. This is also the emblem of the Martyn which can be seen in their coats of arms in the stained glass of the Great Hall. When the line ceased in 1595 the ape roamed the house looking for its new master, finding only the four daughters. The haunting can be heard as the beast tries to escape from the secret staircase and cellar it was trapped in....