Mompesson House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mompesson House |
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South front
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| Type | Mansion |
| Location | 53, The Close, Salisbury |
| OS grid reference | SU 14228 29731 |
| Area | Wiltshire |
| Built | 1701 |
| Architectural style(s) | Queen Anne |
| Owner | National Trust |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Mompesson House | |
| Designated | 28 February 1952 |
| Reference no. | 1355808 |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Screen wall, rails, piers, gates and overthrow in front of Mompesson House | |
| Designated | 12 October 1972 |
| Reference no. | 1253989 |
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Mompesson House is a beautiful old house in Salisbury, England. It was built in the 1700s, making it over 300 years old! This special house is protected as a 'Grade I listed' building. This means it's very important historically. Since 1975, the National Trust has looked after Mompesson House. They make sure everyone can visit and learn about its past.
Contents
The Story of Mompesson House
The Mompesson family lived in Wiltshire for a long time. In 1635, Thomas Mompesson the elder moved to Salisbury. He rented some land and built a large house there. It had a main hall and ten other rooms.
Building the House
Later, Thomas's son, Sir Thomas Mompesson, took over. He was a Member of Parliament (MP) for Salisbury. This meant he was chosen by people to represent them in the government. Sir Thomas rebuilt the house in the late 1670s. He also added a stable building next door.
The house was bought at the end of the 1600s. Its design shows the popular Queen Anne style of that time. This style often featured grand, balanced designs. The famous architect Christopher Wren also influenced its look. The house is built from strong, carved Chilmark stone. A brick service building stands to the right. It was built where an old inn used to be.
Finishing Touches and New Owners
Sir Thomas's son, Charles Mompesson, finished the building in 1701. You can still see his initials and the date on the water pipes! These changes included a new stone front for the house. In 1703, Charles married Elizabeth Longueville. To celebrate, he added a special carving above the front door. It shows their family symbols joined together.
After Charles died in 1714, Elizabeth's brother, Charles Longueville, moved in. He and Elizabeth added beautiful plasterwork and a grand staircase. They also built a new brick wing in 1740. After Charles Longueville passed away, the house changed hands a few times.
Later Residents
The house was then home to three sisters: Ann, Wyndham, and Henrietta Portman. Henrietta lived there until she was very old, passing away in 1846. The Townsend family lived in the house from 1846 to 1939. A well-known artist named Miss Barbara Townsend lived there for all of her 96 years! The Bishop of Salisbury, Neville Lovett, also lived in the house from 1942 to 1946.
Becoming a National Trust Property
In 1952, an architect named Denis Martineau bought the house. He did a lot of repairs and made the house look wonderful. He even opened it to visitors a few afternoons each week. When he died in 1975, he left Mompesson House to the National Trust. This was part of the agreement when he bought it.
The beautiful iron gates, railings, and lamps at the front of the house are also very old. They are listed separately as 'Grade I' important structures.
Amazing Collections Inside
Mompesson House has amazing plasterwork and carvings from the Georgian period. The National Trust has carefully cleaned and fixed them. Many layers of old paint were removed to show their original beauty. When the National Trust received the house, it was empty. Denis Martineau had left his furniture to his family. So, the Trust decorated the rooms with furniture and items from the 1700s. This helps visitors imagine what the house looked like long ago.
Drinking Glasses and Ceramics
The dining room displays a special collection of English drinking glasses. These were given to the National Trust in 1970 by Mr. O.G.N. Turnbull. The house also has the Bessemer-Wright collection of ceramics. This includes delicate porcelain figures from famous factories like Derby and Bow. You can also see beautiful plates from Sèvres and elegant urns from Wedgwood.
