Brockhampton – Skyla Investigates Part VIII
Investigation Hat On!
Welcome to another research article! Today I will be looking into Brockhampton in Herefordshire. There are multiple reasons for me looking into the house but the main one being that it features in the ‘Hecate Cavendish’ series. I’ll let you all in on a little piece of information, the true significance of Brockhampton will be revealed in ‘The Cathedral of Lost Souls’ (ARCs out now!). Another reason for my research is that Mum and I visited Brockhampton for … research purposes (and the fabulous ice cream). I haven’t visited a National Trust property in a while so it was so refreshing to go again.
Introduction
A little introduction to Brockhampton itself before I get into the history of it. It is found at the centre of the 1,700 acre estate and is formally known as Lower Brockhampton Manor House. The house itself is surrounded by a moat that can be crossed using the gatehouse. Gatehouses aren’t usually built for houses this small but in 1530 they wanted to make the house look grander! Understandable really. We explored the 21 acres of orchard walks whilst we were there and even met some lovely Hebrides sheep! The property is currently owned and maintained by the National Trust, meaning the grounds are well and truly looked after.
History
This house was built in around 1425 for John Dumbleton. The wood used to build it is presumed to be sourced from the estate itself, making it even more connected to the land it sits upon. From the 18th century onwards, the house belonged to the estate wagoner, Joseph Cureton. This was after it became the custom for the owning family to live in a separate house from their estate workers and servants. The owner of the estate at that time was Bartholomew Barneby, who moved himself and his family to a newly built mansion at the top end of the estate.
Revamping
By the Victorian times, the house had fallen into disrepair with broken timbers and unkempt grounds. A retired architect named JC Buckler discovered the property in shambles and was commissioned to return it to its original glory. Repairs were made only where necessary to keep the authentic original look. Parts that had to be hugely repaired were then stained and treated to look old and blend back in. They removed a bedroom floor that had been added years after it was built to once again return it to how it would’ve originally looked.
Spooky Happenings
Being almost 600 years old means that the house has obtained a few ghost stories. There have been reports of temperature drops, perfume smells and footsteps following you through the rooms. Even in the gatehouse there are mysterious marks on the walls with many stories as to what they might be.
Summary
It is always enjoyable to make research articles on places that I have visited as it makes every bit of information come to life and causes me to feel as if I have travelled back to when the building was first built. I liked that the house wasn’t too big, it makes it seem realistically manageable. I don’t think I could cope with an actual mansion, too many floors to hoover. However, who wouldn’t want their very own moat?!
