History

As a grade II* listed building Poltimore House has a descriptive entry dating from the 1980s on the Historic England list. Unfortunately this is now very out of date and it was felt that it would be helpful if a revised version of the description incorporating updated information was to be compiled. This version is available here: Click for Revised Description 2021. It must be emphasised that this is not an official revision and has no statutory status but is for guidance and information only.

A Potted History of Poltimore House

1298 – Bampfylde family were given the land

1550 – Present mansion was started – aspects of this Tudor house are still evident

Treaty of Exeter
Front page, Treaty of Exeter

1646 – Negotiations for the Treaty of Exeter took place in the Great Hall (the present Saloon) which brought an end to the Civil War in the South West

17th Century – major remodelling of house including white and gold rococo styling in the Saloon with Palladian cornice and elaborate plasterwork

1831 – More reconstruction with the Imperial Staircase built in the Entrance Hall and the addition of the Porch.

1920 – Estate put up for sale – 1923  House and greater part of estate had not been sold so it was leased to Poltimore College, a boarding school for girls

1940-1945 – Wartime refuge for the boys from Dover College

1945-1975 – Poltimore Hospital, including a state of the art terrazzo lined operating theatre which is still there

1987 – Fire in west wing of house  (which contributed to the decline, neglect and vandalism in evidence today)

1993 – First of several major thefts which resulted in the loss of floorboards in several rooms, fireplaces and chimney pieces and mahogany doors of the Saloon

Present Day – Poltimore House Trust and Friends of Poltimore House working hard to stem the deterioration and bring the house and grounds back to life.

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