Great Fulford, the seat of Baldwin Fulford, Esqre., Devonshire (c.1840)

Cooke, G. A. A topographical and statistical description of the county of Devon. London: Sherwood & Co., c.1830. p. 89.About three miles from Drew-Steignton, on the right of our road, is Fulford-house, the seat of a gentleman of that name, to whose ancestors it has belonged since the time of Richard the First. This is one of the most ancient mansions in the county, and yet retains much of its original character, though its appearance was greatly improved a few years since. It stands on rising ground near an extensive sheet of water, and consists of a quadrangle, with a large entrance gateway (surmounted by the family arms), in which is a door leading to a small but neat chapel, still preserved in a perfect state. Here are two good eating-rooms, a very handsome drawing-room, 42 feet long, and of proportionable height and breadth, containing several good paintings; also a great number of convenient bed-rooms. Fulford-house suffered greatly during the civil wars, when it was garrisoned for Charles the First; but was afterwards completely repaired by Colonel Francis Fulford: it is described by Westcote and Prince as being, "without, well accommodated with gardens, fish-ponds, and a park; within, by a beautiful oratory, neatly wainscoted and seated, and richly paved with white polished marble; as is the great hall, checquer-wise, [sic] with white and black marble. The staircase is a piece of exquisite workmanship, diversified with various kinds of wood, artificially inlaid, the carved ceiling of which is exceedingly well executed, and conducts us to a noble dining or drawing-room, very handsomely furnished. In this drawing-room is to be seen a portrait of Charles the First, seated in his royal robes. This picture was painted by Vandyke, after his Majesty's condemnation, and given to Sir Francis Fulford, knt. as a testimony of royal approbation. Here too is a very large picture, representing the Battle of Gravelines, in 1558, and a variety of other fine paintings. The approach to Fulford-house by the lodge, is about a mile through the park, which abounds with forest trees, and presents a great inequality of surface, rendering the scenery highly diversified."[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]

Lithograph

121x181mm