Appuldurcombe House

Appuldurcombe House, situated near the village of Wroxall, is one of the less well known Isle of Wight attractions. It is, however, an excellent example of early eighteenth century English Baroque architecture and, although primarily an empty shell, is well worth a visit.

Approaching the house

We visited at the end of March 2008, so the trees were still bare (as shown), but nonetheless we were impressed, not only by the beauty of the building, but also by the magnificent grounds.

Appuldurcombe House is now managed by English Heritage from whom booklets relating the history of the building may be purchased. We bought one whilst paying our entrance fee at the Entrance Lodge and it's very interesting.

Apparently the building of this great house began as long ago as 1701 when the then owner, Sir Robert Worsley, wanted to build a suitably impressive residence for his new wife, Frances Thynne, daughter of the first Viscount Weymouth.

The work began in 1701, but it progressed very slowly over the next ten years. Progress was hampered by Sir Robert's financial circumstances and sadly he was never able to complete the building. In 1711 he wrote, 'but I have done, for I must leave to the next age, both the finishing of this, and the paying my own debts and that of the nation, for I see no prospect of its being done in my time. .... '

Unfortunately Sir Robert's sons both died before he did, so the estate passed his cousin, Sir James Worsley of Pilewell. But neither Sir James nor his son, Sir Thomas, showed any interest in the house or its grounds. Indeed, it was not until Sir Thomas's son, Sir Richard, inherited the estate that any further work was done. And it was he, Sir Richard, who set about completing, adding to, and 'improving' Appuldurcombe. He was apparently very keen to keep up with fashion and chose 'Capability' Brown to landscape the grounds, and Thomas Chippendale to make his furniture!

The magnificent east elevation

Between 1805 and 1855, after the house had passed to Sir Richard's niece, further amendments to the building were made. These included the Roman Doric colonnade with its cast-iron balustrade which is still visible between the south-east and south-west pavilions.

The Roman Doric colonnade and cast iron balustrade

About the same time the porte-cochere (a porch large enough for a wheeled vehicle to pass through) was built at the west door.

The Porte Cochere at the west door

According to the English Heritage guide book, the estate was sold in 1855 and was never again used as a private residence. It briefly became a hotel, then a school for young gentlemen, then a temporary home for Benedictine monks.

Sadly, between 1909 and 1952 Appuldurcombe was unoccupied (except for troops during both wars) and left to decay. But happily, in 1952, it was decided to preserve the building as far as possible, since when the building has been in the care of English Heritage and a lengthy programme of repair and consolidation has been undertaken.

The Great Hall - now re-roofed

Whilst it is very sad that only the shell of this former stately home remains, it is pleasing to see that it is now being well looked after for future generations.

We very much enjoyed our visit and hope you will too. For directions and further information you may care to visit the English Heritage Appuldurcombe website

BACK to main Isle of Wight Attractions page

BACK to Isle of Wight Holidays For All home page