Mamhead ([1845?])

W. R. Dickinson
  • image IMAGEFORDA3658
RepositoryLibraryShelf
Devon West Country Studies L SC1685
Illustration Reference
SC1685
Location
CD 26 DVD 4
Publication Details
Date
[1845?]
Place
Scope and Content
Moule, Thomas. Moule's English counties: Devonshire. London: G. Virtue; Simpkin and Marshall; Jennings and Chaplin, 1834. No. XLVII. pp. 309-310.Mamhead house, one of the finest mansions in this county, was entirely rebuilt in 1832, in the Tudor style of architecture by Mr. Newman, on a preferable site to that on which the old house stood. The designs by Anthony Salvin, embrace almost all the beautiful peculiarities remarkable in the domestic architecture of that period; the whole exterior of the mansion, nearly eight hundred feet in circumference, is of Bath stone, very skilfully wrought, the tall chimney stacks and gables, highly ornamented, present a variety of different forms in succession, which are relieved by two square and two octagonal towers rising with extremely good effect. There are four fronts to this edifice, uniform in general design but considerably varied in detail, a mode of construction hitherto unattempted by modern architects, but much practised in the earlier periods. The whole building being raised on a broad terrace, gives it all the dignity required in a mansion of importance. On the southern front where the flower garden is laid out, a very elegant conservatory terminates the building. The centre of the eastern front is exceedingly grand, and the large window of the staircase, filled with heraldic designs in painted glass by Willement, is worthy of that celebrated artist's superior talent. From the terrace of this front the Isle of Portland may be seen, with the intermediate coast of this county and Dorsetshire, the land view is limited only by the hills of the adjoining counties, while the nearer landscape commands the richly wooded park, Powderham castle, and the river Exe in its course to the British channel. The stabling and other offices are erected in the castellated style of architecture, and are raised on a high mount. The general effect of the building is very greatly assisted by the diversity of character adopted in this part of the design, which proves that the architect was perfectly acquainted with the principles of taste as developed in the works of the great painters, where a ceaseless variety is found in combination with perfect harmony in the same picture; as one of the very finest designs in a much admired style, and where so many failures have happened, it is not undeserving of the highest commendation. Since Mr. Newman became possessed of this estate, he has accomplished various important improvements; the rides which formerly existed in the grounds have been mostly destroyed and others directed by superior taste are substituted, the natural difficulties arising from the undulating surface of the ground, and the great ascent from the lower part of the park to the mansion have been surmounted with great skill. The prominent feature of this remarkable place, whence indeed it derives its name, is the lofty hill, Mamhead, covered by stately trees of every species, many of great size and extraordinary height; so elevated are these grounds, that an obelisk which stands on the summit about 100 feet high, may be seen from the most eastern and western parts of the county.[Text may be taken from a different source or edition than that listed as the source by Somers Cocks.]
Format
Lithograph
Dimensions
206x296mm
Aspects
From park
Counties
Subjects
Dates
1845