Pyrgo Park (Pirgo Palace) (Pyrgo House) (Purgo Palace) (Portegore)

Earlier Houses: There was an earlier house (the first house) that Henry VIII converted into a royal palace in the 16th century. This house was demolished circa 1814 and replaced in the mid-19th century by the second house, which was itself demolished in the mid-20th century.

Built / Designed For: Robert Field

House & Family History: The 19th century Italianate style house was built of Portland stone and white brick. A model of this house is today in the Royal Institute of British Architects Collection at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Garden & Outbuildings: In 1937 the estate was saved from developers and remains a green belt in private ownership. Two lodges, gatepiers, and the stableblock—all built in the late 19th century—are extant and the mid-19th century Italian Garden has been partially preserved.

Chapel & Church: The chapel was demolished at the same time (circa 1814) as the first house.
Architect: Anthony Salvin

Date of Birth: 1799
Date of Death: 1881
Nationality: British

Date: 1851-52
Designed: Second house for Robert Field
(Attribution of this work is uncertain)
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Architect: Thomas Allason

Date of Birth: 1790
Date of Death: 1852
Nationality: British
Notes: A 19th century architect, Allason asserted that he was the first to note the entasis of columns in Greek architecture.

Date: 1851-52
Designed: Second house for Robert Field
(Attribution of this work is uncertain)
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Architect: Edward Middleton Barry

Date of Birth: 1830
Date of Death: 1880
Nationality: British
Notes: Third son of Sir Charles Barry; joined his father's practice and for whom he completed the Houses of Parliament, 1866-68. Professor of Architecture at King's College, London.

Date: 1862
Designed: Additions and alterations for Joseph Bray

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Architect: Unknown (designed by an unknown architect)

Date of Birth: NA
Date of Death: NA
Nationality: NA

Date: Late 19th century
Designed: Two lodges, gatepiers, and stableblock.

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Architect: Edward Kemp

Date of Birth: Sep 25, 1817
Date of Death: Mar 1, 1891
Nationality: British
Notes: Kemp, a student of Joseph Paxton, was an important 19th century English landscape designer.

Date: 1863
Designed: Italian Garden

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Architect: Unknown (designed by an unknown architect)

Date of Birth: NA
Date of Death: NA
Nationality: NA

Date: Early 20th century
Designed: Picture gallery for Dowager Lady O'Hagan

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Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pg. 73
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback

Title: Burke's & Savills Guide to Country Houses, Volume III: East Anglia
Author: Kenworthy-Browne, John; Reid, Peter; Sayer, Michael; Watkin, David
Year Published: 1981
Reference: pg. 68
Publisher: London: Burke's Peerage
ISBN: 0850110351
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Demolished

Park Listed: Destroyed
Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT FIRST HOUSE: Sir Brian Tuke, 1518-41. King Henry VIII, 1541-47. Lord John Grey, until 1564; Henry Grey, 1st Lord Grey of Groby, 1564-1614; Henry Grey, 1st Earl of Stamford, 1614-21. Sir Thomas Cheek (Cheke), 1621-59. Sir Thomas Tipping, 1st Bt., until 1718. Thomas Archer, 1st Baron Archer, until 1768. Edward R. Howe, late 18th century. SEATED AT SECOND HOUSE: Robert Field, 19th century. Joseph Bray, mid-19th century. Lt. Gen. Albert Ffytche, late 19th century. Dowager Lady O'Hagan, 1901-21.

Current Ownership Type: Demolished

Primary Current Ownership Use: Demolished
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No

Pyrgo Park (Pirgo Palace) (Pyrgo House) (Purgo Palace) (Portegore)

House, Family & Collections History

Gardens, Outbuildings, Chapel & Church History

Architects

Bibliography / Reading List for this House

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Families Who’ve Lived Here / Current Ownership Type & Use

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