Archive Update - Taunton, United Kingdom - Hestercombe Gardens
Description
Extract from The Remodelling Of Hestercombe House:
Written by Kim Legate, Head Archivist:
In January 1873, London based architect, Henry Hall , who had established 'a large and comfortable' country practice, primarily in Somerset and Dorset, was contracted by Lord Portman to make designs 'for a first class mansion'.
A practicing architect of thirty years, Hall appeared eminently qualified, having compiled a varied portfolio of completed works that included municipal buildings, churches, schools, mansions and houses, banks and even hospitals.
For reasons unknown, Henry Hall was dismissed after only a few months and his designs set aside in favour of new schemes by architect, surveyor and civil engineer, James Baker Green of Salisbury Street, Blandford Forum, Dorset.
Dorset born (Spetisbury) and a staff sergeant in the Dorset battalion, he seems to have worked mainly in the West Country and was currently being considered for the county surveyor position.
Regrettably, his changes to Hestercombe House 'destroyed many of those interesting features which his predecessor had thought it desirable to retain', leaving only the kitchen, dining room and morning room unaltered.
To further complicate matters James Green died unexpectedly in March 1874, only a few months after works began, aged 43, from complications arising from pleurisy.
Henry Hall was eventually persuaded to return to Hestercombe but finding it impossible to recover the original profile and character of the House decided to prepare new designs for its completion.
However, by 14 August and the opening of the House on the occasion of Teddy Portman's 21st birthday celebration - these had only been partially carried out.
Read more from our AchivesMore jobs from Hestercombe Gardens
-
May Specials
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago
-
Joanna's Birthday Cake
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago
-
Health and Wellbeing Tips: Yoga
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago
-
Snowy Scenes
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago
-
How to Sow Seeds: a Step-by-step Guide
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago
-
Ticket Sales for Illumina Going Well
Taunton, United Kingdom - 2 weeks ago