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Drawing of the Summer house
Short article on the Summer House
Photo of the Summer House at Beckett by Mervyn Penny
A view of the Summer House
A view of the Summer House with Cradle Bridge and Beckett House in the frame. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
A view of the Summer House and Cradle Bridge. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
A view of Beckett Summer House & Cradle Bridge. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
A view of the Summer House and Cradle Bridge. Photo courtesy of Paul Williams
A view of the Summer House from across the lake. Photo by Neil B. Maw
A closer view of the Summer House. Photo by Neil B. Maw
A closer view of the corner of the Beckett Summer House. Photo by Neil B. Maw

The China House in Beckett Park

History of the China House, with photos architects drawings and a history of "the Fishing Lodge", (by R P Owens) designed and attributed to Inigo Jones and a small history of Shrivenham commencing in the 1630s. 

Whereas the information within the article contains useful debate as to the authenticity of the architect and builder of the Lodge, there are several facts that are inaccurate. For instance, we now know by Barrington family documentation that William Atkinson's plans for the new Beckett House were completely rejected and those of Thomas Liddell were used. We also know that George Pratt did not purchase the earlier Beckett House or Estate.
 
To see a complete copy of the chapter from M.R. Gloag's book on Beckett, please see Listing No N968 in this catalogue.
 
Beckett House and the Park in which it is located, was sold to the War Department in 1937. To see some documentation from that sale please go to Listing No N1045. By 1950 it was noticed that the roof of the China House or Fishing Lodge, was in a poor state of repair, described by the Commandant at the time, General Sir John Eldridge, as 'ruinous.' Fortunately, the War Dept at the time decided to restore the 17th century building, which at the time was not historically listed and could easily have resulted in it being demolished. To see the documents that saved the China House please go HERE
 
 
 
 
Also known by other names:
The Summer House
The Banqueting House
The China House
The Fishing Lodge
 
  • Year:
    2018
  • Place:
    Beckett
  • Ref:
    C2.3..0.2
  • Item Ref:
    N170
  • Find it:
    C2 SHR.3.0.2

 

 

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