Beaulieu Palace House
| Beaulieu Palace House | |
| Hampshire | |
|---|---|
 Beaulieu Palace House in 2011 | |
| Location | |
| Grid reference: | SU38730245 |
| Location: | 50°49’13"N, 1°27’6"W |
| History | |
| Built 13th century | |
| Country house | |
| Information | |
Beaulieu Palace House is a 13th-century house in Beaulieu, in the south-west of Hampshire. Originally part of the estates of Beaulieu Abbey, the estate was bought in 1538 by Thomas Wriothesley, 1st Earl of Southampton, following the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It is still owned and occupied by the earl's descendants, the Barons Montagu of Beaulieu.
History
Beaulieu Palace House was originally built in the 13th century as the gatehouse of Beaulieu Abbey. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the estate was purchased by Sir Thomas Wriothesley, later 1st Earl of Southampton, in 1538. The house passed through marriage into the Montagu family and is still owned by the 1st Earl's descendant, the 4th Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.[1]
The house was extended in the 16th century, and again in the 19th century, and is today a fine example of a Gothic country house. The house overlooks Beaulieu River and is surrounded by lawns and walkways. The inside of the house has been kept in a Victorian style.
King James I stayed at Beaulieu in August 1613 and gave an audience to the Venetian ambassador Antonio Foscarini.[2]
Although still home to the current Lord and Lady Montagu, parts of the house and gardens are open daily to the public. It is a member of the Treasure Houses of England consortium.
The Palace House is opened to the public as part of the visitor attraction known as "Beaulieu", which includes:
- Beaulieu Abbey
- National Motor Museum
- Beaulieu Palace House
- World of Top Gear
- Secret Army Exhibition
- Gardens
- A monorail
- Rides
On film
The 1936 British Pathé film, 'Miniature Railway', (ID Number 1222.23), is a 1':40" long feature which shows (Miss.) "Mary Cook" driving the engine around the grounds.
Outside links
References
- ↑ "Palace House and Gardens". Beaulieu Enterprises Ltd. n.d.. http://www.beaulieu.co.uk/attractions/palace-house. Retrieved 24 September 2014.
- ↑ Allen Hinds, Calendar State Papers, Venice: 1613-1615, vol. 13 (London, 1907), p. 32 no. 60.