Built / Designed For: Rebuilt for George Smith

House & Family History: There was an earlier house (mostly 16th and 17th centuries) that was partially incorporated into the current house. Piercefield was occupied by eight different families in 150 years, bringing financial ruin to three of them. Valentine Morris spent a fortune, 1740-78, on the park, primarily laid out by Capability Brown. In 1785 George Smith purchased the estate and had John Soane draw up several plans; Soane's design that was finally used was similar to his work at Shotesham Hall in Norfolk. Smith was declared bankrupt before the roof was completed. Joseph Bonomi was employed by Sir Mark Wood for the portico, the twin pavilions, and the interiors. The hall was columned and contained a winding staircase that was surrounded by Gobelins tapestries. Piercefield was abandoned in 1923 and subsequently sold to Chepstow Racecourse. During World War II, the house was used for target practice by U.S. troops. All that remains are the ruined pavilions and the shell of the house. In 2005 Piercefield, still a ruin, together with 125 acres, was listed for sale by Jackson-Stops for £2 million. In July 2013 a campaign and petition were launched by Marcus Binney, founder of SAVE Britain's Heritage, to seek protection of Piercefield Park.

Collections: The Philadelphia Museum of Art has in its collection an extremely fine Neoclassical chimneypiece from Piercefield. The wood and plaster chimneypiece was made circa 1793-94 by the English cabinetmaker George Brookshaw and contains painted copper panels in the style of Angelica Kauffman. The chimneypiece was a gift of the Rosenbach brothers of Philadelphia who were, in the early and mid-20th century, one of the most important rare book dealers in the world (see photos of the chimneypiece in the "Images" section). On November 3, 2011 Christie’s sold, for £253,250, a pair of circa 1790 polychrome decorated parcel-gilt satinwood secretaire bookcases attributed to George Brookshaw. These were almost certainly supplied to Col. Sir Mark Wood for Piercefield Park and are notable for their painted ovals with landscapes depicting Whitton Place and Shardeloes House.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Grade I

Past Seat / Home of: Valentine Morris, 18th century. George Smith, 1785-93. Col. Sir Mark Wood, 1st Bt., 1794-1802. Nathaniel Wells, 1802-47. John Russell, 1855-61. Henry Clay, 19th century; Clay family here from 1861 until 1923.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Ruinous

Ownership Details: Owned by David and Simon Reuben

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No