Saltram House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Saltram House |
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Saltram House, east front; The central block with Venetian window contains the Saloon.
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| Etymology | Salt was harvested on the nearby estuary and the fact that a "ham", or homestead, was on the site before the Tudor period |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Town or city | Plymouth |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Coordinates | 50°22′54″N 4°04′57″W / 50.38167°N 4.08250°W |
| Owner | National Trust |
| Designations | |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Saltram House | |
| Designated: | 23 April 1952 |
| Reference #: | 1386230 |
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Saltram House is a grand old house in Plympton, Devon, England. It's considered one of the most impressive country houses in Devon. The famous architect Robert Adam designed many parts of the house. He made big changes to an older Tudor house that was already there. The Saloon, a special room, is seen as one of Adam's best designs.
Saltram House is one of Britain's best examples of an early Georgian house. It still has much of its original decoration, plasterwork, and furniture. The house also holds a large collection of paintings from the Parker family. These include works by Sir Joshua Reynolds (1723-1792), who was a friend of the family.
The current building was started by John Parker (1703–1768) and his wife Catherine Poulett. It was finished by their son, John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon (1735-1788). The Parker family became important in the mid-1500s.
The Saltram Estate was given to the National Trust in 1957. This happened instead of paying taxes after someone died. Today, the house is open for everyone to visit.
Saltram House was also used as a filming location for the 1995 movie Sense and Sensibility.
Contents
What's in a Name?
The name Saltram comes from two things. First, salt was collected from the nearby river area. Second, there was a "ham," or homestead (a small farm with a house), on the site even before the Tudor period.
A Look Back in Time
The first family known to own Saltram House was the Mayhew family in the 1500s. They were farmers who owned the house for about 50 years. They had a lot of land, including Saltram Wood and fishing rights.
The Bagg Family's Story
The next owners were the Bagg family. They likely turned the farmhouse into a bigger mansion. Sir James I Bagg, a local politician and Mayor of Plymouth, bought Saltram around 1614. His son, James II Bagg, took over after him. He was a vice-admiral and close to King James I.
James II Bagg's son, George Bagg, inherited Saltram. At that time, Saltram included a "great mansion house," stables, gardens, and orchards. During the Civil War, George Bagg supported the King. Because of this, Saltram House was damaged by the Parliamentarian forces. After the King's side lost, George Bagg had to pay a large sum of money to keep his land.
However, the Bagg family lost Saltram in 1660. The government gave it to Henry Hatsell to pay off a debt owed by Bagg. But when the King returned to power, Hatsell lost the house. It was then given to Sir George Carteret, who had lent money to the King during the war.
The Parker Family Arrives
In 1712, George Parker bought the Saltram estate. His family, the Parkers, then owned Saltram for many years.
How Saltram House Grew
Early Changes and Grand Designs
John Parker inherited the house in 1743. With his wealthy wife, Lady Catherine Parker, he made big changes. They added grand, balanced designs to the outside of the house. These designs covered up the older Tudor parts. Inside, they added beautiful Rococo plasterwork to the ceilings in several rooms.
Their son, John Parker, 1st Baron Boringdon, took over in 1768. A year later, he married Theresa Robinson. Theresa and her family were very interested in decorating the house. They helped make Saltram a "showpiece" of South West England. Many people believe the six years until Theresa's early death were Saltram's best years.
The house has ten portraits by the famous artist Joshua Reynolds. Robert Adam was hired in 1768 to design the Saloon and the Library. Adam designed everything, from the door handles to the huge plasterwork ceiling. Famous craftsmen like Thomas Chippendale made the furniture. Theresa and her husband spent a lot of money on the Saloon.
John Parker also hired Nathaniel Richmond to design the beautiful parkland around the house.
Later Years and New Additions
The third John Parker, later known as Earl of Morley, inherited the house. In 1819, he hired an architect named John Foulston. Foulston added the Entrance Porch and created the current Library from two smaller rooms. The Earl's second wife, Frances, was also an artist. Her own watercolors and copies of old paintings are displayed in the house.
The Earl of Morley tried to start several industrial projects on the estate. However, many of them did not succeed. This caused the family to fall into a lot of debt.
Saltram Joins the National Trust
Money became very tight for the family. The 3rd Earl of Morley had to leave the house for many years. He could only return after selling some of the estate's most valuable paintings. The family's money situation improved in 1926 when the 4th Earl inherited other estates. But these good times did not last long. The war brought damage from bombing.
Finally, in 1957, Saltram House and its contents were given to the National Trust. This was done instead of paying taxes after someone died. The National Trust now cares for Saltram House, keeping it safe for future generations.
The Surrounding Landscape
The Laira is a tidal river, so the view from the house changes. Sometimes you see water, and sometimes you see mud. A nearby landfill site has been turned into a green space. From the first floor of the house and the Castle summerhouse in the gardens, you can see views of Plymouth Sound.
