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Hunstrete, Somerset
First screened 17 February 2008
In this section: Hunstrete home | Background | What they found | The Pophams of Hunstrete House | Repairing the past | Q&A | Find out more
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Keeping up with the Georgians
In the late 18th century, wealthy landowner Francis Popham began constructing a mansion in this beautiful part of Somerset. He intended it to be one of the grandest houses in England.More about Hunstrete »
What they found
Time Team came to Hunstrete in search of Francis Popham's country house – a mansion he planned on 'a most grand and magnificent scale'. Only five arches of the main portico remain above ground today, but because Georgian architecture is based on regular, fixed proportions that small remnant of Popham's mansion ought to have provided a good aid to working out the plan of the rest of the building.
Time Team came to Hunstrete in search of Francis Popham's country house – a mansion he planned on 'a most grand and magnificent scale'. Only five arches of the main portico remain above ground today, but because Georgian architecture is based on regular, fixed proportions that small remnant of Popham's mansion ought to have provided a good aid to working out the plan of the rest of the building.
The Pophams of Hunstrete House
The estate came into the possession of the Popham family at the beginning of the 17th century, when it was acquired by Sir John Popham, a colourful character, who was said to have been kidnapped by gypsies as a child.
The estate came into the possession of the Popham family at the beginning of the 17th century, when it was acquired by Sir John Popham, a colourful character, who was said to have been kidnapped by gypsies as a child.
Repairing the past
The reconstruction cameo that was carried out to accompany this programme featured the delicate creation of some replica cornice work based on examples known to have been used at Hunstrete House.
The reconstruction cameo that was carried out to accompany this programme featured the delicate creation of some replica cornice work based on examples known to have been used at Hunstrete House.
Time Trial
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Watched the programme, browsed the web pages? Now try our quick quiz to see how you get on.
Related links
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