Chilton Priory, Grade II listed mansion in Chilton Polden, England
Chilton Priory is a 19th-century mansion with three stories and a tower that houses an observatory. The building includes a crypt, expanding wings, and was originally designed to hold large art collections.
William Stradling, a deputy lieutenant of Somerset, built the mansion in 1838. He used stones and materials from Roman villas and medieval churches, giving the building a mix of ancient materials.
The building displays Gothic features like pointed arches and gargoyles that recall real medieval architecture, even though they date from the 1800s. The windows and ornaments blend different historical styles into a whole that turns Gothic fantasy into concrete stone and wood.
The estate sits on Polden Hill and information is available through the National Heritage List for England. Access and visiting conditions should be checked in advance as it is a protected property.
The grounds contain Pocock's Cell, a grotto, and a Gothic-arched tunnel leading to garden features. These underground structures were built during the original construction phase and form a hidden side of the estate.
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