St Giles House, Wimborne St Giles: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 06:23, 16 August 2010
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Earls of Shaftesbury since 1651
The Shaftesbury estate in East Dorset is the home base and centre of business of the Ashley-Coopers, a conservative, aristocratic family that owns a large estate, including over 9,000 acres, along with property, land, and loughs, that establishes them as one of the wealthiest families in the United Kingdom.[1]
The Ashleys and Ashley-Coopers have made Wimborne St Giles their home since the 15th century. The Ashley family arrived in Wimborne St Giles, originally from Wiltshire, where they owned the manor of Ashley, since the 11th century. The first ancestor to reside in Wimborne St Giles was Robert Ashley (born c. 1415), fifth great grandfather of Anthony Ashley-Cooper, 1st Earl of Shaftesbury.[2][3]
Built in 1651, the family seat of St Giles House has fallen into disrepair and has been unoccupied for about 60 years. During World War II, the main house was requisitioned and used as a school. At that time, the family took up residence at the dower house, known as Mainsail Haul and have lived there ever since. This Manor House is located near the centre of Wimborne St Giles.[4] In 2001, St Giles House was recorded on the Register of Buildings at Risk, as a Grade I listed building, indicating neglect and decay. Buildings recorded on the Grade I list include those of "exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important".[5]
The garden grotto, c. 1751–53 and the estate park itself are both recorded on the Register as a Grade II* listed buildings. The Grade II* list records buildings (and parks and gardens) that are "particularly important [with] more than special interest".[5][6] The estate includes a landscaped park and recreational grounds with scattered garden ornaments, a garden grotto, a serpentine lake, and a large avenue of beech trees. While the structural design elements of the park have survived over time, the landscaping has not been maintained. The majority of the park has remained in arable condition, suitable for producing and cultivating gardens and crops.[7] St Giles House is now largely unoccupied, apart from one wing used as the estate office.[8]
References
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
autogenerated3576
was invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Timbs, John; and Alexander Gunn. Abbeys, Castles and Ancient Halls of England and Wales – Their Legendary Lore and Popular History, Read Books, 2006, pp. 444–446. ISBN 978-1846643422
- ^ Burke, John. A genealogical and heraldic History of the extinct and dormant Baronetcies of England, Ireland and Scotland: By John and John Bern. Burke, John Russ Smith, p 18, 1844. ISBN 978-0806307398
- ^ East Dorset District Council Policy Planning Division Supplementary Planning Guidance No. 16 April 2006, Wimborne St Giles, East Dorset District Council, 2006
- ^ a b "Listed Buildings". English Heritage. Retrieved 2010-08-06.
- ^ "English Heritage | English Heritage". Risk.english-heritage.org.uk. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
- ^ "English Heritage | English Heritage". Risk.english-heritage.org.uk. Retrieved 2010-07-16.
- ^ "St Giles House on 2001 Register of Buildings at Risk". Archive.thisisdorset.net. 2001-06-28. Retrieved 2010-07-04.