Blaise Castle

Blaise Castle is an 18th century house and estate near Henbury in Bristol (formerly in Gloucestershire). It was immortalised by Jane Austen who described it as "the finest place in England" in her book Northanger Abbey.

Related Topics:
18th century - Henbury - Bristol - Gloucestershire - Jane Austen

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Blaise Castle House was built in 1796–1798 for John Harford, a wealthy Bristol merchant and banker. He was also responsible for building Blaise Hamlet, to house his servants and tenants. At the same time the grounds were laid out by Humphrey Repton (1752–1818) a leading landscape gardener. Parts of Repton's designs still exist, notably the impressive carriage drive which winds its way from the house. The Regency architect John Nash was responsible for the addition of the dairy and the conservatory.

Related Topics:
1796 - 1798 - John Harford - Bristol - Blaise Hamlet - Humphrey Repton - 1752 - 1818 - John Nash

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The castle and its 650 acres (2.6 km²) of parkland are now open to the public.

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