William Morris’s ‘heaven on earth’ Oxfordshire home restored to former glory

William Morris lived at Kelmscott Manor for 25 years until his death in 1896. Photograph: © Society of Antiquaries of London (Kelmscott Manor)

For William Morris, the Oxfordshire village of Kelmscott was “heaven on earth”. An old farmhouse became a beloved rural retreat and inspiration for the pioneering designer, author, architectural conservationist and social reformer, widely regarded as the father of the arts and crafts movement.

Now Kelmscott Manor, near Lechlade, is reopening to the public on 1 April following a £6m renovation project, preserving and enhancing it for future generations.