Beaulieu Palace House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beaulieu Palace House |
|
|---|---|
Beaulieu Palace House in 2011
|
|
| General information | |
| Type | Country house |
| Location | Beaulieu, Hampshire |
| Coordinates | 50°49′13″N 1°27′5″W / 50.82028°N 1.45139°W |
| Completed | 13th century |
Beaulieu Palace House (
i/ˈbjuːli/ BEW-lee) is a historic house in Beaulieu, Hampshire, United Kingdom. It was built in the 13th century.
This beautiful house was once part of Beaulieu Abbey. In 1538, a man named Thomas Wriothesley bought the estate. This happened after the king closed down many monasteries. Today, the house is still owned by his family's descendants, the Barons Montagu of Beaulieu.
Contents
History of Beaulieu Palace House
Beaulieu Palace House started as the main entrance, or gatehouse, for Beaulieu Abbey. This was back in the 1200s.
In 1538, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in England. This event was called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. After this, Sir Thomas Wriothesley bought the Beaulieu estate.
Over time, the house became part of the Montagu family through marriage. The family still lives there today. The current owner is the 4th Baron Montagu of Beaulieu.
The house has been made bigger several times. It was expanded in the 1500s and again in the 1800s. It is a great example of a Gothic country house. Gothic style often features pointed arches and tall windows.
Beaulieu Palace House looks out over the Beaulieu River. It is surrounded by pretty lawns and paths. Inside, the house has been kept in a Victorian style. This means it looks like homes from the 1800s.
King James I even stayed at Beaulieu in August 1613. He met with the Venetian ambassador there.
Visiting Beaulieu
Even though the current Lord and Lady Montagu live here, parts of the house and gardens are open to visitors every day. It is part of a group called the Treasure Houses of England. These are important historic homes.
Beaulieu Palace House is part of a bigger visitor attraction called "Beaulieu." This place has many exciting things to see and do, including:
- Beaulieu Abbey: The ruins of the old monastery.
- National Motor Museum: A museum full of amazing cars and vehicles.
- World of Top Gear: An exhibit based on the popular TV show.
- Secret Army Exhibition: Learn about the Special Operations Executive training that happened here during World War II.
- Beautiful gardens to explore.
- A monorail that takes you around the estate.
- Fun rides for visitors.
Beaulieu in Films
Beaulieu Palace House has appeared in some films.
In 1936, a film called 'Miniature Railway' was made here. It showed a person driving a small train around the grounds.
The movie “Mrs. Palfrey at the Claremont” also features Beaulieu Palace. In the film, Mrs. Palfrey takes her new friends to see the house. She used to visit it with her husband when they were first married.
Local Legends and Ghost Stories
According to its official website, Beaulieu is known as one of the most haunted places in Britain. People have reported seeing ghosts here for over a hundred years. Some stories even go back to the mid-1500s.
Many people who study ghosts have visited the abbey. One famous person was Arthur Conan Doyle, who wrote the Sherlock Holmes stories. It is said that he tried to contact a ghost during a special meeting at Palace House.
One common ghost story is about a lady in blue or grey. People say she walks through walls and makes noises in the private rooms. Many believe this is the ghost of Lady Isabella, the Countess of Beaulieu, who died in 1786.
Another strange report is the smell of incense. This smell is said to appear before something sad happens to the people of the abbey or village. Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu, 3rd Baron Montagu of Beaulieu and others have reported this smell. It often happens in a room of the Palace House that was used as a chapel long ago.
Images for kids
-
Beaulieu Palace House
-
