Beckington Castle
Beckington Castle | |
---|---|
Location | Beckington, Somerset, England |
Coordinates | 51°15′44″N 2°17′18″W / 51.26222°N 2.28833°W |
Built | 17th century |
Listed Building – Grade II* | |
Official name | The Castle |
Designated | 11 March 1968[1] |
Reference no. | 1296202 |
Beckington Castle is a historic house in the village of Beckington, Somerset, England. It is a Grade II* listed building.[1]
It was built in the early 17th century on the site of a medieval building. It has been home to various nobility and local businessmen, also serving as a hotel and school. It is now used as offices.
History
It was originally built in the early 17th century,
Several local merchants owned the building in the 18th century including Christopher Brewer, Samuel Love, and Nathaniel Mortimer. In the 1780s, Beckington Castle came into the hands of the Chislett family who owned it until 1870. It wasn't until 1839, that the name 'Castle House' was applied to the building.[3] This later evolved into 'The Castle' and later 'Beckington Castle'. In 1870 George Esdaile bought the Castle for £450, the next owner was Colonel Augustus Hill who held it from 1896 until 1901.[4]
Edward Milles Nelson was owner from 1902 to 1926. He was President of the
It has also served as a hotel, and an antiques showroom. From 1945 to 1970, the
The building is reputedly haunted and it may have been the first building in England which was described in an advertisement for sale as being more desirable because it was haunted.[7]
Current use
In 1989, the Castle, which was in poor condition,[8] and grounds were purchased by Systems Engineering & Assessment Ltd (SEA), which provides technical and procurement support to the Ministry of Defence.[9] Between 1995 and 1996 Beckington Castle was restored by SEA as their headquarters, in co-operation with Mendip Council and English Heritage.[10]
Architecture
The three-storey building has three tall gables with copings and finials along the front with two similar gables on each side.[1]
References
- ^ a b c d "The Castle". historicengland.org.uk. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Beckington" (PDF). Conservation Area Appraisal. Mendip Council. 2010. p. 25. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 September 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ISBN 0-86183-278-7.
- ^ "Castle history". S-E-A. Archived from the original on 30 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ 'Births' column of The Times, Friday, Jan 2, 1942, p. 1
- ^ "History". Beckington village. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Hauntings". Psychic Truth. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "SEA". Cohort PLC. Archived from the original on 15 June 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ^ "Beckington Castle Directions". S.E.A. Archived from the original on 4 October 2011. Retrieved 27 November 2008.
- ^ "Business". Beckington Village. Retrieved 7 May 2011.