Edmund Prideaux (artist) facts for kids

Edmund Prideaux (1693–1745) in a 1730 portrait by William Aikman. Prideaux Place is in the background.

Edmund Prideaux (1693–1745) was an English artist and architect. He lived in Cornwall, England. He is most famous for redesigning Prideaux Place, a large country house in Padstow.

Who Was Edmund Prideaux?

Edmund Prideaux was born on February 22, 1693. He was christened in Soham Tony, Norfolk. He was the only son of Very Rev. Humphrey Prideaux. His father was the Dean of Norwich starting in 1702.

His Early Life

Edmund's mother passed away when he was only seven years old. After this, he grew very close to his father. His writings show how strong their bond was.

Edmund's Career and Travels

1716 drawing by Edmund Prideaux of Heanton Satchville, Petrockstowe, Devon. This house was later torn down.

Edmund Prideaux studied at Clare Hall, Cambridge in 1711. He later became a lawyer in 1718. Around age 21, he started visiting many country houses. These homes belonged to his family and friends.

He made many "topographical drawings" of these places. These drawings are very important today. They show us what houses looked like that are now gone or changed. For example, he drew Stowe, Kilkhampton in Cornwall. He also drew Heanton Satchville, Petrockstowe in Devon.

After his wife died young, Edmund focused on learning. He studied architecture and garden design. When he was about 46, in 1739, he went on a "Grand Tour" of Italy. He brought back many paintings and old Roman objects. His cash-book shows he traveled a lot.

Taking Over Prideaux Place

In 1728, when he was 35, Edmund inherited Prideaux Place. He got it from his cousin, who had no children. Edmund then began to change the house. He redesigned both the inside and outside. He also planned the gardens. He added garden buildings and a "wilderness" area with winding paths.

Family Life

On April 17, 1717, Edmund married Hannah Wrench. She was from Norwich. Hannah passed away on February 2, 1726, when she was 29. They had one son:

• Humphrey Prideaux (born 1719). He later became the Sheriff of Cornwall in 1750.

His Death

Edmund Prideaux passed away on June 23, 1745. He was buried in Padstow.