Hartland Abbey
Christian·England·family home·12th century
Hartland Abbey is a former Augustinian abbey, founded in 1157, that was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539 and subsequently converted into a family home. It has undergone significant architectural alterations over centuries, most notably in the Strawberry Hill Gothic style and later Victorian Gothic remodels. The estate is now a private residence of the Stucley family and a notable filming location.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1157 as an Augustinian priory.
- ›Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1539.
- ›Converted into a private mansion and family home.
- ›Features architectural styles including Tudor, Strawberry Hill Gothic, and Victorian Gothic.
- ›The estate is frequently used as a filming location for various productions.
- ›Currently owned by the Stucley family.
Tudor, Strawberry Hill Gothic, Victorian Gothic
- Fine Wainscoting From Tudor Times
- Painted Murals By Alfred Beer Depicting Historical Events
- Painted Glass Wedding Window
- Alhambra Palace Style Decorated Main Passage
- Gardens Laid Out By Gertrude Jekyll
- Hartland Quay Hotel
Bartholomew Iscanus, William De Botreaux, Henry Viii, William Abbot, Thomas Godwyne, James Gunter, Henry Wescott, Hugh Culme, John Meadows, Batty Langley, Lord Walpole, Sir George Stucley, George Gilbert Scott, Richard Coad, Alfred Beer, Mr Mathews, Gertrude Jekyll
- Consecration By Bartholomew Iscanus In 1160.
- Dissolution By Henry Viii In 1539.
- Conversion Into A Mansion By William Abbot.
- Grants of Lands By Henry Viii To Thomas Godwyne In 1544.
- Royal Licence To Alienate Rectory and Advowson In 1547.
- Remodelling Commissioned By Sir George Stucley In the Mid-1800s.
About Hartland Abbey
Hartland Abbey is a historic estate in Hartland, Devon, England, that originated as an Augustinian priory founded in 1157. Consecrated in 1160, the abbey was a significant religious institution, with the Botreaux family being among its most generous benefactors. The property's religious life concluded in 1539 with its dissolution by King Henry VIII, after which it was granted to William Abbot and transformed into a private residence.
Over the centuries, Hartland Abbey has undergone substantial architectural transformations. Initial conversions by William Abbot established it as a mansion. Later, in 1705, two wings were added, and further significant remodelling occurred in the mid-1800s under Sir George Stucley. These later alterations, guided by architects like George Gilbert Scott, introduced elements of Strawberry Hill Gothic and Victorian Gothic styles, featuring elaborate panelling and decorative schemes, including painted murals by Alfred Beer and a main passage designed to evoke the Alhambra Palace.
Today, Hartland Abbey remains the family home of the Stucley family and is noted for its picturesque gardens, designed by Gertrude Jekyll. The estate has also gained recognition as a popular filming location, having hosted crews for numerous films and television series, contributing to its ongoing cultural presence beyond its historical and architectural significance.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Hartland Abbey founded?
Hartland Abbey was founded in 1157 and consecrated in 1160. It was established as an Augustinian priory.
What happened to Hartland Abbey during the Dissolution of the Monasteries?
Hartland Abbey was dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539. The building was then granted to William Abbot, who converted it into a mansion.
What architectural styles can be found at Hartland Abbey?
The present building incorporates components from Tudor times. Later additions include wings from 1705 in the Strawberry Hill Gothic style, and further Victorian Gothic remodelling in the mid-1800s by George Gilbert Scott, featuring Elizabethan and linenfold panelling.
Is Hartland Abbey still a functioning monastery?
No, Hartland Abbey is no longer a functioning monastery. It was dissolved in 1539 and has since been a private family home.
Why is Hartland Abbey known as a filming location?
The Hartland Abbey estate, including its grounds and buildings like the Hartland Quay Hotel and Blackpool cottage, has served as a filming location for numerous films and television series, including adaptations of 'Treasure Island', 'Sense and Sensibility', and 'The Night Manager'.
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