More information : (ST 757452). Marston House (NAT). (1)
Marston House was built early in the 17th century, and all that
can be said with certainty about its origin is that it did not
exist in 1600, when the site was farmland, and was a fine house
evidently with mature grounds by 1641, when it was purchased by
the Earl of Cork. The architect was possibly John Smithson, as
Marston has marked resemblances to his Ham House near Petersham.
Marston was a minor seat of the Earls of Cork and Orrery until
1690 when their Irish connexion slackened, and the Earl of
Orrery was given an English peerage as Baron Boyle of Marston,
the house then becoming a caput baroniae. Major restoration
was carried out in the early 18th century, and in 1749-52 the
house was turned into a Palladian mansion. Wings in Adam style
were added in 1776 and further substantial alterations were
made in 1798 and around 1860, when the entrance was moved from
the SE to the NW front. The house is now divided into flats and
its future is uncertain. It has only been given a Grade II
classing by DOE. (2)
ST74NE TRUDDIHILL CP
MARSTON BIGOT
4/155 Marston House
27.11.72
GV II*
Country house. Circa 1650, rebuilt c1700 for the Duke of Cork and
Orrery, further work of the late C18, substantial C19 additions.
Squared and coursed Doulting, dressed quoins, moulded and
dentilled eaves cornice, balustraded parapet, slate mansard roof,
rubble stacks with oversailing courses. Centre block of 2 stages
2:1:5:1 2-bays, each pair stepped forward, sash windows with
glazing bars in triple keyed moulded architraves. Centre bays
have verandah on ground floor, 4 Ionic columns supporting an
entablature, each side a small flat roofed glazed porch. Large
C19 wing projecting to each return; 2-storeys, 8-bays each;
both have 2 pedimented projecting wings; sash windows with glazing
bars, some to ground floor in semi circular headed recesses,
others in Gibbs surrounds; West of 3-bays have exceptionally
large openings with a cornice over each giving onto the ballroom.
Distressed conservatory at West end, pedimented gables, ball
finials. Entrance to rear in projecting single storey mid C19
wing, moulded cornice and parapet, lantern roof; paired segmental
headed niches flanking aediculated door opening, large paired
2 panel doors. Interior mainly of mid C19; salient feature is the
elaborately plastered ballroom, particularly the ceiling;
West wing also contains billiard room and library in the grand
manner, decorative plasterwork, shelving and fireplaces in the
C18 French style. Formal entrance hall has paired cantilever
staircases, one damaged, with cast iron balusters and moulded
handrail, leading out of collonaded vestibule. East wing contains
domestic offices, to its rear stableblock and coach house
around a courtyard. Rear forecourt has 2 pairs of elaborate
stone gate piers with stepped circular caps. Terrace reached
by 2 flights of steps, a further flight leading to grounds behind,
all with balustraded handrails. (3)
Additional reference (4)
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