The House from an early 20th century postcard
Built / Designed For: Buxton family
House & Family History: John Buxton, who was an amateur architect, designed the House for himself circa 1720. Edward Blore doubled the size of Shadwell to the south for Buxton's family; the North Facade, including the tower, was added between 1840 and 1843. S.S. Teulon extended the House to the north between 1857 and 1860. The main (East) Facade has bold Jacobean and Gothic features, while the interiors are equally impressive: there are 52 rooms in total, including a cruciform central hall, which spans the width of the building. In the early 20th century Shadwell was the seat of John Musker, co-founder of Home & Colonial Stores; since the death in 1994 of his grandson, the House has been empty and abandoned and has deteriorated significantly, with major outbreaks of dry rot and many roof leaks. The Estate was purchased by Shadwell Estate Company, which may have connections with Shaikh Hamdan bin Rashid al-Maktum.
Collections: The contents of Shadwell Park were auctioned by Sotheby's on October 21 and 22, 1992.
Comments: SAVE Britain's Heritage on Shadwell: "This glorious mansion is one of the most important buildings in Norfolk."
Architect: Edward Blore
Date: Circa 1840-43Architect: Samuel Sanders Teulon
Date: 1857-60
Title: Disintegration of a Heritage: Country Houses and their Collections, 1979-1992, The
Author: Sayer, Michael
Year Published: 1993
Publisher: Norfolk: Michael Russell (Publishing)
ISBN: 0859551970
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
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. 183
Publisher: London: Burke's Peerage
ISBN: 0850110351
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II
Past Seat / Home of: Buxton family. Sir John Musker, 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Corporation
Primary Current Ownership Use: Unoccupied
Ownership Details: Owned by Shadwell Estate Co.
House Open to Public: No
Historic Houses Member: No