Woodchester Mansion, a Grade I listed building, is owned by Stroud District Council and leased to the Woodchester Mansion Trust.
The aims of this charity combine historic building conservation, education and public access. The Woodchester Mansion Trust aims to repair, but not complete, the mansion, so that it will remain forever an ‘unfinished masterpiece’.
The mansion was built in the French Gothic revival style. It was designed by the famous architect Benjamin Bucknall, for William Leigh, using local Cotswold limestone. The work on the house took many years and in 1870, after 16 years work, the workers walked out leaving many of the 79 rooms unfinished.
The mansion then fell into a state of disrepair and dereliction, with Victorian tools scattered across the site. Today the Mansion Trust is using trainee craftsmen in a lengthy programme of repairs and preservation. Visitors can still see the Victorian tools in addition to half-carved gargoyles, doors leading nowhere and abruptly ending corridors.
The mansion is well worth a visit.
The mansion is available to hire for Wedding Receptions, Weddings, Private Parties, Private Tours, Room hire, Paranormal Investigations, Training days and much more.
For more information about open days, guided tours, courses and events visit www.woodchestermansion.org.uk
A copy of Woodchester Mansion’s adopted Strategy 2014-2020 can be found here.