London’s undiscovered Jacobean gem

October 28, 2015 • Family • Family History

Situated in the Royal Borough of Greenwich with commanding views over the Thames Valley to the Square Mile beyond, Charlton House is an outstanding survival of an early 17th century gentry mansion. World Monuments Fund Britain Project Director Melissa Marshall and Project Officer Sophie Buchanan introduce London’s Jacobean treasure

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Built between 1607 – 1612 for Sir Adam Newton, Dean of Durham and tutor to King James I’s eldest son Prince Henry, Grade I listed Charlton is the most important Jacobean mansion in greater London and today houses a well-loved local community centre. Its rich history spans a series of owners, a stint as a hospital in World War I and near destruction in the Blitz.

Surprisingly little known beyond its locality, Charlton House exemplifies the architectural transition between the late medieval fashion for ostentatious prodigy houses of the Elizabethan period – those built in adoration of the Queen and in anticipation of a royal visit – to the later more compact, symmetrical and restrained approach popularised by the classically inspired buildings of Inigo Jones adopted through the mid-17th century.

Modest in scale, restrained in style and classical in detail, the architect of Charlton is presumed to be John Thorpe, who had served as Clerk of Works at nearby Greenwich Palace. Configured on a compact H plan layout and constructed of red brick embellished with contrasting stone dressings, the interior includes a great hall, chapel, state dining room, saloon and long gallery. The main entrance on the west front features a richly decorated frontispiece with elaborate detailing corresponding with patterns taken from the popular German publication of the day, Wendel Dietterlin’s Architectura of 1593. This is a reflection of the growing taste for the latest European designs for buildings, interiors and gardens and the influx of continental artisans to England.

best of British — The original staircase features ornate newel posts with perforated finials and carved gargoyles at the top of each handrail. A carved wolf once stood on the ground floor newel post but this was removed by the Maryon-Wilson family when they sold the property.

Charlton tells a story of royal connections. The interior of the house retains a wealth of exceptional decorative features including exquisitely carved marble fireplaces and exuberant plasterwork ceilings complete with pendants, strapwork and royal devices attributed to the leading craftsmen of the day. The Prince of Wales’ feathers feature prominently, accompanied in places by the royal monogram and coat of arms. Outside stands a mulberry tree believed to have been planted at the behest of James I.

Contemporary evidence suggests that Sir Adam Newton did not build the house as a residence for the Prince, but it is unclear how he financed the property without the support of the crown. However, since Prince Henry died in 1612 at the age of eighteen – the year the house was completed – it is clear that Charlton’s primary purpose was not to serve as a royal residence.

A 1909 issue of Country Life magazine captures Charlton with a busy Edwardian interior during the ownership of the Maryon-Wilson family, just sixteen years before ownership of the house passed to Greenwich Council.

Whilst local authority ownership saved the building, life as a thriving community centre has taken its toll and many of the historic features have deteriorated. There are also ongoing issues with water penetrating the decorative plasterwork ceilings, the casement windows require care and concrete repairs on the roof are failing. The 1630’s Garden House – often attributed to Inigo Jones although heavily debated – is now derelict and a designated building at risk.

There is no question of Charlton’s significance, however the rich history of its patrons, craftsmen and interiors provide a tantalising glimpse of the discoveries yet to come.

In 2014 ownership of Charlton passed to the Royal Greenwich Heritage Trust (RGHT), an independent charity now caring for a portfolio of heritage assets within the borough. WMFB has been working in partnership with the Trust to develop a vision for the site – one that will prioritise the building’s conservation needs and protect its status as a vital community centre. WMFB is supporting the Trust with a generous grant of £35,000 from The Paul Mellon Estate to fund an updated Condition Survey for the site and enable the essential planning stage to get underway.

To find out more about Charlton House and how you can get involved with this amazing building, please contact Andrew Rye, Development Manager, andrew@wmf.org.uk, +44 (0)20 7251 8142.

Main image: Charlton’s grounds are a public park, and each year they host the ‘Horn Fayre’ – a day of community events and activities that celebrate the site’s history, continuing a tradition dating back to the Middle Ages.
NB:Images all © Richard Holttum except ‘1612’ which is © Sir Donald Insall.

This article first appeared in World Monuments Fund Britain’s Monumentum Autumn 2015 edition. Click for more information about World Monuments Fund Britain

The post London’s undiscovered Jacobean gem appeared first on Beyond Bespoke.

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