Introduction
Witcombe Park has a gazebo dating from the early-18th-century layout. The outlines of a deer park of that period are visible on the hillside above the house. The 18th-century house was demolished in the late-19th century and completely remodelled.
- History
The manor house was originally built by Sir Michael Hicks in about 1704. His family had owned the estate since the early 17th century. About the same time a walled garden was created with a small gazebo dated 1697, which survives today. A deer park was laid out on the hillside above the house, and the outlines of this area can still be seen.
The house was not adequately maintained during the 18th and 19th centuries and deteriorated badly so that eventually it had to be demolished in the late 19th century. The replacement house was built in 1891, facing the park, supposedly as a temporary measure. To date it is still there and is considered by Pevsner to be a poor alternative to the original building.
Period
18th Century
- Features & Designations
Features
- Gazebo
- Description: Gazebo in the former walled garden.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Gateway
- Description: Gateposts and finials from the original wall surrounding the estate.
- House (featured building)
- Description: The present house replaced the original building which had been demolished in the late-19th century after a period of neglect. The present building bears no resemblance to the original structure.
- Earliest Date:
- Latest Date:
- Key Information
Type
Country Estate
Purpose
Ornamental
Principal Building
House
Period
18th Century
Survival
Part: standing remains
- References
References
- Atkyns, R. et al, {The Ancient and Present State of Gloucestershire} (London: Robert Gosling, 1712), p. 844
- Kingsley. N., {The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Volume 2, 1660-1830} (Cirencester: Phillimore, 1992), p. 513
- Verey, D {The Buildings of England: Gloucestershire 2: The Vale and the Forest of Dean} (London: Penguin, 1970) 513
- Kingsley. N., and M. Hill, {The Country Houses of Gloucestershire, Volume 3, 1830-2000} (Cirencester: Phillimore, 2000), p. 299
- Mowl, T {Historic Gardens of Gloucestershire} (Stroud: Tempus, 2002)
- Herbert, N.M. {Victoria County History: Gloucester, Volume 7} (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1981)
Contributors
Gloucestershire Gardens & Landscape Trust
Mary Blumer