I rediscovered these today.
They were taken in late 2006 on an impromptu visit, so no tripod and sorry but they also have flash - hey it was six years ago and I didn’t know any better.
Anyway, I haven’t seen it on here before so I thought someone might be interested.
Potted history
In the 1350’s Thomas de Lyons enclosed the park and built a new manor house. In the early 1500’s the house was enlarged. In the mid 1500’s the house was enlarged and sold to the Smyth family, who owned and occupied it for 400 years.
In the 1890’s Sir Greville Smyth added the West wing. The ground floor was to house his extensive collections – later donated to Bristol museum.
In the First World War the mansion became a Red Cross hospital.
In the Second World War the grounds were used by the army, with officers being allowed to use parts of the mansion house. (Unusually they didn’t do any damage)
In 1946 Esme, the last owner, died at the age of 83.
In 1947 the entire contents were sold in a seven day auction.
The house stood empty for 13 years, until Bristol City Council bought the estate and opened it as a public park. The house was boarded up until the early 1970s when the roof was repaired and the remains of the house made safe and watertight. No restoration was carried out.
Most of the upper rooms had hand written labels, as if it was once open to the public. I've included the ones I remember.
Around the time of my visit I think an application had been made for lottery funding to restore the upper floors. I believe it was not successful.
Most of the ground floor is used as a conference centre and party venue. The stable block contains the estate offices, a café and a visitor centre.
West front
South front and terrace
Billiard room
Billiard room ceiling
3" thick Mahogany door
Huntman’s hall ceiling
Huntman’s hall coving and frieze
Grand Staircase
“Tudor†bedroom door
“Regency†bedroom door frame
“Regency†bedroom door
Lady Esme’s dressing room
Remains of Lady Esme’s bedroom ceiling (on the floor)
“Regency†bedroom fireplace
“Tudor†fireplace
Landing window
Bedroom corridor wallpaper
Bedroom window
Dame Emily’s boudoir fireplace
Panelling from Dame Emily’s boudoir
Can’t remember?
Maid’s room, originally divided into six
Clock mechanism, I think from around 1890 - 1900
Servant’s quarters!
Thanks for looking
They were taken in late 2006 on an impromptu visit, so no tripod and sorry but they also have flash - hey it was six years ago and I didn’t know any better.
Anyway, I haven’t seen it on here before so I thought someone might be interested.
Potted history
In the 1350’s Thomas de Lyons enclosed the park and built a new manor house. In the early 1500’s the house was enlarged. In the mid 1500’s the house was enlarged and sold to the Smyth family, who owned and occupied it for 400 years.
In the 1890’s Sir Greville Smyth added the West wing. The ground floor was to house his extensive collections – later donated to Bristol museum.
In the First World War the mansion became a Red Cross hospital.
In the Second World War the grounds were used by the army, with officers being allowed to use parts of the mansion house. (Unusually they didn’t do any damage)
In 1946 Esme, the last owner, died at the age of 83.
In 1947 the entire contents were sold in a seven day auction.
The house stood empty for 13 years, until Bristol City Council bought the estate and opened it as a public park. The house was boarded up until the early 1970s when the roof was repaired and the remains of the house made safe and watertight. No restoration was carried out.
Most of the upper rooms had hand written labels, as if it was once open to the public. I've included the ones I remember.
Around the time of my visit I think an application had been made for lottery funding to restore the upper floors. I believe it was not successful.
Most of the ground floor is used as a conference centre and party venue. The stable block contains the estate offices, a café and a visitor centre.
West front
South front and terrace
Billiard room
Billiard room ceiling
3" thick Mahogany door
Huntman’s hall ceiling
Huntman’s hall coving and frieze
Grand Staircase
“Tudor†bedroom door
“Regency†bedroom door frame
“Regency†bedroom door
Lady Esme’s dressing room
Remains of Lady Esme’s bedroom ceiling (on the floor)
“Regency†bedroom fireplace
“Tudor†fireplace
Landing window
Bedroom corridor wallpaper
Bedroom window
Dame Emily’s boudoir fireplace
Panelling from Dame Emily’s boudoir
Can’t remember?
Maid’s room, originally divided into six
Clock mechanism, I think from around 1890 - 1900
Servant’s quarters!
Thanks for looking
