Sheldon Manor - Architecture and Antiques

Architecture and Antiques

The earliest parts of the structure are thought to be a window on the west side and the porch, dating back to the late 13th century. Pevsner considered the porch to be "astounding, but much too big for the present house". Most of the main structure, consisting of two and a half storeys, and of rubble stone and stone-tiled roofs, dates to c. 1659 when it was built for a Mr Forster, although some parts are earlier. Later additions date to post-1711 and improvements to c. 1911.

External features

There is a small stone chapel in the grounds, believed to date to about 1450 and built by the Hungerford family for use by themselves and their servants. It has an east window with Perpendicular tracery. After a long period of use as stables, it was restored in the twentieth century. There is also a brick-built storehouse mounted on staddle stones to prevent incursion by rats.

Antiques

The Manor has collections of Nailsea glass, Persian saddlebags, porcelain and oak furniture, including an Elizabethan refectory table and chairs. There are paintings by Tissot, David Teniers and Bassano, vases by William de Morgan and "an unusual collection of glass walking sticks."