From Manor House to Stately Home – the remodelling of Lydiard Park 1738-43 – Micheal Gray
Wednesday 26th April 2023
Conservation Architect Michael Gray will talk about the remodelling of the old manor house at Lydiard Tregoze by John Viscount Lord St. John (pronounced Sinjin) completed in 1743.
In his talk Michael will show how the original house and gardens were transformed into a Palladian masterpiece. He’ll explain too how the design based on precedents from antiquity and the renaissance came to fruition.
Motivation for the project came from a combination of cultivated taste, politics, and social necessity. It stands as a testament to the skill and artistry of the Palladian Architect Roger Morris.
From Manor House to Stately Home – Lydiard House
Lydiard Park – https://www.lydiardpark.org.uk/:
‘Lydiard park is a beautiful historic estate on the western edge of Swindonwith the Palladian House, Church, Walled Garden, Hotel and Events Centre set in 260 acres of parkland.’
And the house: https://www.lydiardpark.org.uk/visit/museum/
‘Home to the St John family for over 500 years, the house dates back to the medieval period, which developed into a great two-level hall over time.
In the 1740s John 2nd Viscount St. John and his wife Anne Furnese took over the estate and saw Lydiard House redeveloped into a grand Palladian home. As you walk through Lydiard House, you will notice many ornate and decorative details, including columns, pediments and doorcases.
In 1943, the St John family put the estate up for sale after a period of financial difficulties. Efforts to secure the estate were led by Town Clerk David Murray John. Swindon Corporation (now Swindon Borough Council) purchased Lydiard House and its parkland. The house was in a poor state of repair. And since then, work’s been done to return the house to its former glory.’
See info on our other talks here: https://friendsofsmag.org/events/categories/talks/
Date/Time
Date(s) - 26/04/2023
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Categories
