The History of Top O’ Town House, Dorchester

The History of Top O’ Town House, Dorchester

This was once a large and important house in the town, situated at the junction of High
West Street, The Grove and Bridport Road. At one time it had a very extensive garden,
sadly now lost, having been transformed into one of the towns main car parks.

The 1911 census records that it was a substantial family home at the time, consisting of 20
principal rooms, ie reception rooms, bedrooms and kitchen, but excluding a number of
ancillary support rooms. It was then occupied by Clare H. MANSEL aged 74, four of her
adult daughters, one grand daughter and six servants.

In 1881, it was even busier, the House then called “Grove House” was occupied by Clare, her Husband Arthur Edmund MANSEL ( 1828 - 1905 ), a retired Army officer, their five
daughters and two sons, aged from 16 to 4, along with a Governess and seven servants. See extract from the 1886 Map of West Fordington above.

There is a comprehensive history of the House back to the early 1800’s written by Dr Paul
Kelly. This may be found on the website black-slash.co.uk , booklet 05092020, written in
2020, along with a photograph of the House taken when it was empty, and I do not
propose to repeat all that he has well documented there.

Dr Kelly records that the House appears to have started off called “Grampound House” in
1827 - 1830, but by 1841 was renamed “Grove House”. That name lasted until 1902 -
1905, when it became known as “Top O’ Town House.”

I can add a little to Dr Kelly’s research, as the Dorset History Centre now has a valuation
made of Top o’ Town House in 1957 under Ref: D-ENS/F2/85 by Ensors, along with
correspondence about the installation of a central heating system, in exchange for an
extension in the Lease.

On the death in 1917 of Clare H. MANSEL, it seems her daughter Clare Frances SHORTT
nee MANSEL ( 1872 - 1858 ) had inherited via a Trust a 4/5ths share of the freehold, and
then her son Hugo de Saumaraz SHORTT ( 1912 - 1975 ) had a some point purchased
the other 1/5th share.

The Lease to the Ministry of Works was for 10 years from 25th December 1955, and
Ensor’s valuation on 5th March 1957 was for £7,900 or £10,000 if the Freehold was sold
on the open market.

Later correspondence suggested that by November 1960, Hugo de S. SHORTT was the
sole owner of the Freehold after his mother had died at 38 St Ann Street, Salisbury on
25th January 1958. Her estate was valued at £15,162, and son Hugo, a museum curator,
was one of her Executors. It appears that on installation of the new central heating system,
the Lease was extended to 1975.

The History Centre also holds a planning application dated 12th December 2005 under
Ref: DCC/UA/10487/Box 1, for the provision of access for the disabled, showing the
property was owned by Dorset County Council. It was not clear if this was freehold or
leasehold.

As of October 2024, the house is undergoing work, and is covered in scaffolding, and a
series of planning applications suggest it is being converted into residential apartments.

15. 10. 2024
Richard Smith - orchidgrower@btinternet.com