Marnhull is a few miles outside Sturminster Newton on the B3092 to Gillingham (Map). Many creamy limestone farmhouses and cottages are scattered about this dispersed, very rural village. Marnhull once claimed to be the largest village in England. Situated on top of a hill, it overlooks the beautiful Blackmore Vale
In November 1891 Marnhull achieved new fame as the home of “Tess of the d’Urbervilles” when Thomas Hardy published what was to become one of his most popular books. The Crown (“Pure Drop Inn”) at Marnhull (“Marlott”) was the place John Durbeyfield, Tess’s father, decided to celebrate that he was
Greg and Sarah Noble moved to Dorset from Winchester where Greg worked at The Bush Inn, Ovington as Head Chef. Prior to that Greg worked in London as Executive Head Chef of Toad Hall, Kings Road; Head Chef of L’Equipe Anglais, W1 and Head Chef of The Pen, Parsons Green.In
The middle, thatched, part of the Crown at Marnhull dates back to the 16th Century. This part of the “James Downe April the 4th 1725″pub is largely untouched and a Priest hole, which at one time led to St Gregory’s Church, is still visible. In the 500 years or so