Visiting in September 2010, this necessitated an almost military operation to get there, make my way around, and get back home again, with a lot of help from the OS Map, Google Street View and the local bus time table. It was so well worth it though, as the whole estate - plus the church next door - is an amazing place and chockful of history...not to mention great photo opportunites and a lovely walk. The first part was catching an early morning Honiton bus and being dropped off outside this fantastic Gatehouse on the way.
One of the most important Mediaeval manor houses still existing today, the building of Shute Barton was begun circa 1380 and eventually completed in the late 16th century. It was then partly demolished in the 17th century. This imposing Gatehouse at the front was a Tudor addition to the Mediaeval estate. The arms of William Pole can be seen above the entrance.
There are some little stone carvings along the string course below the embattled walls between the three buildings, below. They were somewhat difficult to photograph though, as I'm just not tall enough and unfortunately I still haven't replaced my damaged telephoto lens. However, enlarging it helps to see them a bit better.
Some old graffiti, above, scratched into the limestone quoins by the gatehouse door. One of them is dated 1911. I think there may have been some earlier but I can't tell from my one photo. Much of it is beautifully carved in Roman lettering.
And seen from the other side. It's interesting to see how the banks of earth either side have been built up to just beneath the parapets of the connecting walls.
The Manor House (below), was owned by the Grey family, Marquesses of Dorset, until 1554 when the attempt to install Lady Jane Grey on the English throne, and her subsequent beheading, caused all the family to fall out of favour. The home was forfeited to the crown and then leased to the de la Pole family who later bought the property. Now in the care of the National Trust, it is still the home of the descendants, the Pole-Carew family, who have retained the right to live there.
Only two wings of the original 14th century building now remain, including the Great Hall with beamed ceiling and the kitchen. The Tudor fireplace in the kitchen has a span of 24ft, being the largest in Britain and taking up an entire wall. Other interesting features include the battlemented turrets and late Gothic windows.
Both the Gatehouse and the Manor are Grade I Listed Buildings.
There was no access inside of course, but I did make a further visit in October 2014, as part of an organised tour inside, which will be coming up in Part Two.
In the traditional manner of old buildings, there is a ghost story attached to it. A grey lady, who is believed by some to have been a member of the de la Pole family from the Civil War era, was hanged by Parliamentarians who ambushed her whilst walking through a grove near to the house. The property still contains a grove to this day and is called the Lady's Walk in her honour. However, she apparently does not take kindly to strangers, which I'm not surprised at considering her awful demise.
Continuing along the drive and further into the park estate can be seen the Grade II* Listed Building Shute House. Built in 1786 by the sixth baronet Sir John Pole, it comprises a main house with two buildings situated at either side connected by a graceful, curving wall, in the Georgian manner, all parts of which are now private residences. At the time it was described thus "the new Shute House is a gem in a completely harmonious setting, perfect in proportion, meticulously correct in every detail and altogether satisfying".
The left wing (seen below) housed the original kitchen to the main house. The charming bell tower upon the roof was used for calling the estate workers to their meals. However, at the end of the 19th century it was converted into a small theatre complete with a proscenium arch and various backdrops, as well as the delightful stained glass windows. Known as The Old Playhouse, it is now a private residence, but still retains the proscenium arch, a painted top emulating the theatre curtain and two wall-mounted Victorian plaster statues.
Vacated by the Pole family in 1926, the building and part of the estate was let to a girl's boarding school in 1933, including the stables, which enabled some of the girls to bring their ponies. In 1974 it was bought by a developer and the building, stables and other outbuildings were converted to freehold apartments...which it now continues to be.
Walking on past Shute House, and looking back, I noticed other buildings peeping out from the trees. So I decided to investigate and later found out that these were once the stables.
Echoing the design of the main Shute House; the main stable block having two end wing buildings connected by a graceful, curving wall. The main block was housing for the head groom, the horses were stabled on the ground floors and the top floors of the wings were occupied by the stable hands. Now private residences.
Above shows the tall archway, which allowed coaches to enter the courtyard. I didn't want to overstay my welcome as I wasn't sure of its status, who lived there or whether I was trespassing or not, so I didn't venture inside the arch. I wish I had now though as I would love to have seen it and take photos.
The photos above show the East Lodge, beyond which are the East Gates. As the back entrance, they are just common-or-garden gates, unlike the imposing Tudor Gatehouse at the main entrance. However, the Grade II Listed original piers and gates for Shute House can be seen at the end of the former drive to the house from the stables. I've tried to discover where they are but no luck yet.
And finally, the view looking back over the park from the East Lodge. Beautiful, isn't it! :)
After this I went to St Michael's church next door, which will be coming up next. After that will be Part Two of Shute Barton with the interior photos taken during the later visit of an organised tour inside, along with more history. :)
