House & Family History: In the 17th century the Acton Burnell Estate (including nearby Acton Burnell Castle) came into the possession of the Smythe family, who built the core of the current house at the same time. The classical look of today's house was created in the early 19th century by John Tasker. A fire in 1914 destroyed most of the interiors, after which they were rebuilt in a neo-Georgian style. Paul Oertel and Monica Carr-Taylor founded Concord College in 1949 and purchased Acton Burnell as the home of their new school. In 1969 it passed into the ownership of Frank Bell, who, in 1983, re-formed the college into a charitable educational trust.

Garden & Outbuildings: The grounds contain a fine 18th century grotto and the delightful folly named Black Dick’s Tower (aka Sham Castle or Keeper’s Tower), built in 1780 by Sir Edward Smythe, 4th Bt., as a music room.

Chapel & Church: The chapel was designed by Charles Hansom in 1846.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 90, 1853.

John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. II, 1825.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: Sir Edward Smythe, 1st Bt., until 1714; Sir Richard Smythe, 2nd Bt., 1714-36; Sir John Smythe, 3rd Bt., 1736-37; Sir Edward Smythe, 4th Bt., 1737-84; Sir Edward Smythe, 5th Bt., 1784-1811; Sir Edward Joseph Smythe, 6th Bt., 1811-56; Sir Charles Frederick Joseph Smythe, 7th Bt., 1856-97; Sir John Walter Smythe, 8th Bt., 1897-1919.

Current Ownership Type: School

Primary Current Ownership Use: School

Ownership Details: Today Concord College

House Open to Public: No

Phone: 01694-731-631

Fax: 01694-731-389

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://concordcollegeuk.com/

Historic Houses Member: No