Bevois Mount House
BEVOIS MOUNT HOUSE was built in 1723 by the 3rd Earl of Peterborough. It stood between what is now Cedar Road and Cambridge Road just north of Lodge Road in grounds of over fifty acres. The Earl chose its name as it was believed the hill on which it stood was where the local hero Sir Bevois of Hampton was buried.
A description in The Sporting Magazine of 1804:
“The approach to this earthly paradise is a noble lofty stone gateway; at each extremity is a small colonade, once adorned with two beautiful marble figures, representing Spring and Summer;”
“After a short winding walk I entered the mansion on Mount Bevois, celebrated for its internal beauties and conveniences. In the front parlour, I found four good marble statues- Bacchus, Apollo, Diana and Meleager – with a picture said to be original portraits of Columbus and his sons” also “... some very valuable Roman remains, one of which, an alter piece, I send for your amusement.”
“Adjoining the parlour, is an ample orangery, well stocked with productive trees; and, by the great judgement of the gardener, you see all at one view, the bud, full blown flower, and the green and the ripe fruit; which, together with the incomparable fragrancy, puts us in mind of those delightful groves on the coast of Portugal, or on the Italian banks of the Mediterranean .”
A description in The Sporting Magazine of 1804:
“The approach to this earthly paradise is a noble lofty stone gateway; at each extremity is a small colonade, once adorned with two beautiful marble figures, representing Spring and Summer;”
“After a short winding walk I entered the mansion on Mount Bevois, celebrated for its internal beauties and conveniences. In the front parlour, I found four good marble statues- Bacchus, Apollo, Diana and Meleager – with a picture said to be original portraits of Columbus and his sons” also “... some very valuable Roman remains, one of which, an alter piece, I send for your amusement.”
“Adjoining the parlour, is an ample orangery, well stocked with productive trees; and, by the great judgement of the gardener, you see all at one view, the bud, full blown flower, and the green and the ripe fruit; which, together with the incomparable fragrancy, puts us in mind of those delightful groves on the coast of Portugal, or on the Italian banks of the Mediterranean .”
1846 map of the house and gardens. The orangery is the extension on the right of the house.
The Memorial to Charles Mordaunt, the 3rd Earl of Peterborough (1658–1735) (left) that was erected in Bevois Mount House. The mural tablet with Latin inscription was commissioned by his nephew, General Sir John Mordant. The inscription (right) states:
Charles Mordaunt
Duke of Peterborough
Champion of national freedom
Avenger of Valencia
Known for his plans and arms
Succeeds at things
bravely and swiftly
Here he retired in small rural place
Here his dying was revered
The dilapidated Bevois Mount House was was demolished c. 1940. The mural tablet was removed and taken to Tudor House. It is set into an outside rear wall which can be seen today by museum visitors.
Charles Mordaunt
Duke of Peterborough
Champion of national freedom
Avenger of Valencia
Known for his plans and arms
Succeeds at things
bravely and swiftly
Here he retired in small rural place
Here his dying was revered
The dilapidated Bevois Mount House was was demolished c. 1940. The mural tablet was removed and taken to Tudor House. It is set into an outside rear wall which can be seen today by museum visitors.
The following residents of Bevois Mount House appear in street directories and accounts of the time, and ones listed in the slideshow have a corresponding number:
1. 1723–1735 3rd Earl of Peterborough, Sir Charles Mordaunt (b. 1658 – d .1735)
2. 1723-1755 Anastasia Robinson, opera singer (b. 1692 – d. 1755)
3. 1755–1780 General Sir John Mordaunt (b. 1697 – d. 1780)
4. 1780–1791 William Sotheby, poet (b. 1757 – d. 1833)
5. 1791–1808 Edward Horne (d. 1808)
Edward Horne’s widow lets estate
1808–1820 Henry Hulton (b. 1769 – d. 1820)
1808–1840 Sophia Hulton (d. 1840)
1840–1844 Estate for sale so leased
1841 Robert Shedden
1844 William Betts purchased estate and part sells land
6. 1848 William Betts, Civil Engineer for the Royal Pier (b. 1790 – d. 1867)
1853 Captain McPherson
1855 William Betts sells rest of estate land for development
7. 1859–1869 James H Wolff, shipping agent (b. 1827–1879)
1871 West wing and conservatory removed
1871–1900 School owned by Mrs. Barnes
8. 1900–1914 Hartley University College
9. 1914–1918 German officer prisoner of war transit camp
1920 St Georges School
10. 1925–1940 Borough Motors garage
House dismantled due to dilapidation
1. 1723–1735 3rd Earl of Peterborough, Sir Charles Mordaunt (b. 1658 – d .1735)
2. 1723-1755 Anastasia Robinson, opera singer (b. 1692 – d. 1755)
3. 1755–1780 General Sir John Mordaunt (b. 1697 – d. 1780)
4. 1780–1791 William Sotheby, poet (b. 1757 – d. 1833)
5. 1791–1808 Edward Horne (d. 1808)
Edward Horne’s widow lets estate
1808–1820 Henry Hulton (b. 1769 – d. 1820)
1808–1840 Sophia Hulton (d. 1840)
1840–1844 Estate for sale so leased
1841 Robert Shedden
1844 William Betts purchased estate and part sells land
6. 1848 William Betts, Civil Engineer for the Royal Pier (b. 1790 – d. 1867)
1853 Captain McPherson
1855 William Betts sells rest of estate land for development
7. 1859–1869 James H Wolff, shipping agent (b. 1827–1879)
1871 West wing and conservatory removed
1871–1900 School owned by Mrs. Barnes
8. 1900–1914 Hartley University College
9. 1914–1918 German officer prisoner of war transit camp
1920 St Georges School
10. 1925–1940 Borough Motors garage
House dismantled due to dilapidation
– F.B.
©Bevois Mount History
©Bevois Mount History