Listed Building record MDO8765 - Highcliffe Castle, Christchurch

Highcliffe Castle was built in 1773 and re-constructed as a gothic mansion in 1831-34 by W J Donthorne for Lord Stuart de Rothesay. It incorporates a large amount of medieval French masonry.

Highcliffe Castle, a 'singular medley of architecture' replaced a mansion built by Lord Bute which was washed away. <1>

A mansion built in 1831-4 to the design of W J Donthorne for Lord Stuart de Rothesay. Incorporated within the Gothic house are important examples of French Medieval architecture and sculpture, in particular the oriel window on the South Front salvaged from the Grand Manior des Andelys. It was in this window that Henri IV stood waiting for his father to die in 1562. Some portions of the 12th century arcading from Jumieges Abbey are built into the flanks of the entrance porch. The house has suffered from several fires, and when inspected in June 1977 was in a derelict and overgrown condition. <5-6>

<1> Hope Moncrieff, A R (ed), 1904, Black's guide to Hampshire, 23-4 (Bibliographic reference). SWX4467.

<2> Ordnance Survey, Ordnance Survey Map 6in, 1969 (Map). SWX1540.

Highcliffe Castle [NAT]

<3> Aldsworth, F G, Various, Field Investigators Comments FGA, F1 FGA 22-JUL-69 (Unpublished document). SWX1161.

<4> Pevsner, N, and Lloyd, D, 1973, The Buildings of England: Hampshire and the Isle of Wight (1973), 291-3 (Monograph). SWX3500.

<5> DOE (HRR), 1976, List of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest: Borough of Christchurch 1976, 90 (Scheduling record). SWX4475.

<6> 1977, Department of the Environment (IAM) Ancient Monument Record Form: Highcliffe Castle (Unpublished document). SWX4465.

<7> 1988, English Heritage Record Form: Highcliffe Castle (Unpublished document). SWX4466.

<8> Bellamy, P, 2016, Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. Investigation of Historic Paths in Rothesay Park (Unpublished document). SDO16980.

<9> Bellamy, P, 2016, Highcliffe Castle, Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe, Dorset. Test Pit Investigation of the East Wing (Unpublished document). SDO15256.

<10> National Record of the Historic Environment, 459196 (Digital archive). SDO14739.

Record last edited

Dec 12 2024 3:30PM