Wednesday, February 08, 2023

Wern Manor, Dolbenmaen, Gwynedd, Wales

This folly temple is situated in the 15-acre gardens & woods of Wern Manor, one of the most delightful airbnbs we've ever stayed at. Hosts Paul and Marie-Ann have worked tirelessly to restore the property to its former glory. In 1892, the house was remodeled in the Jacobethan Arts & Crafts style for Richard Geaves the manager of Llechwedd Slate Quarry (Blaenau Ffestiniog). He was the uncle of architect Clough Williams-Ellis whose masterwork is Portmeirion village. https://www.wernmanor.co.uk/index.php







Friday, February 03, 2023

Wellington Clock Tower, Swanage, Dorset

In 1854 when the Wellington Clock Tower was originally erected at the southern end of London Bridge it had four clock faces and housed a small telegraph office. It was relocated to Swanage, Dorset in 1868 when local building contractor George Burt disassembled it, transported it as ship's ballast and gave it to his friend Thomas Docwra, another builder, as a gift. For obscure reasons, the original spire was removed in 1904 and replaced by an ogee-shaped copper cupola. The tower now stands on private property.





Tuesday, January 31, 2023

Cranmore Tower, Somerset

Located on the highest point of the Mendip Way, Cranmore Tower is about 45m (148 ft) tall. Built by Thomas Henry Wyatt for John Moore Paget of Cranmore Hall between 1862 and 1864, it is now on private land and closed to visitors. Unsurprisingly it was used by the Home Guard and Royal Corps of Signals during the Second World War. 





Monday, January 30, 2023

St Audries Park

In 1835, Mad Jack Fuller's nephew and heir Sir Peregrine Palmer Fuller Palmer Acland purchased St Audries, East Quantoxhead, Somerset. It became home to his daughter Isabella and her husband Sir Alexander Bateman Periam Fuller Acland Hood when they married in 1849. Over the years the house was much improved and expanded. It remained in the family until their grandson sold it in 1925. It is now a wedding venue.





Sunday, January 29, 2023

Watchet Barometer Gift of Sir A A Hood

Like Mad Jack Fuller, Sir Alexander Bateman Perriam Fuller Acland Hood was a generous benefactor to his community. His wife, Lady Isabella Harriet was the only surviving child of Mad Jack's nephew Sir Peregrine Palmer Fuller Palmer Acland. As well as family ties, Hood shared Mad Jack's interest in saving lives at sea and scientific instruments. In 1862, Sir A A Hood gifted the town of Watchet, Somerset an Admiral FitzRoy's Storm Barometer made by Negretti & Zambra. Robert FitzRoy, for whom the instrument is named, captained the Beagle of Charles Darwin fame. In 2012, the barometer was restored by the Watchet Conservation Society. It continues in daily use and can be viewed in its original position, set into the wall of a cottage at the west end of The Esplanade (where it meets the corner of Swain and Market Streets).