Clevedon Court

Description

Built by Sir John de Clevedon who died in 1336. Clevedon Court has been described as one of the most valuable relics of early domestic architecture in England. Alterations and additions include a new west wing by John Wake about 1570. Further alterations after 1717. The west front rebuilt 1761-88 and again 1862. Rebuilding after a fire in 1882 was achieved by the architect, C E Davis. The centre of the present south front belongs to the original house. 2 storey buttressed porch with plain parapet to right. Pointed moulded archway with portcullis. 2 storey projecting chapel range with original ogee reticulated tracery to left. The medieval hall with part of the original screens passage arrangement (entrances to kitchen, buttery etc) survives behind the 2 projecting blocks. The great hall window between these blocks is now in Tudor style but evidence of an earlier pointed arch with tracery exists above. The rest of the south front has gabled ranges in Elizabethan style with stone mullioned and transomed windows. Top storey windows in gables have pediments containing carved heads, finials above. Gable end on far right (ie to east) of front is in plain vernacular style with large chimney breast and paired diagonal stacks. Finials to sided of gable. To rear of east range is attached a further tall gabled wing. Various gabled ranges including kitchens and a 2-storey porch attached to rear elevation. Excellent interior of the main building periods. (Listed Building Report)

were the portcullises protection against raiders or pirates, or were they a symbolic statement, a status symbol, or a theatrical gesture to be raised for an approaching guest or lowered each evening for house discipline? (Emery)

Comments

Emery discusses the apparent disconnect between the 'fortified' elements of Clevedon Court, most notable the porch with its portcullis but also the crenellated garden wall, and the domestic elements such as the large chapel window with its fine tracery.