Tyntesfield, Somerset: Exquisite Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture
Tyntesfield, located just a stone's throw from Bristol, is an exquisite example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture, surrounded by sprawling gardens and parkland.
Today, the historic Grade 1 listed building is owned by the National Trust and open to the public - more than 356,766 people visited last year!
No National Trust place has a bigger collection of objects than Tyntesfield.
Contrary to being an ostentatious display of wealth or power, this grand estate was simply meant to be a cherished family abode.
Originally a modest Georgian dwelling, Tyntesfield underwent a remarkable metamorphosis into a Gothic Revival marvel.
Its unique design bears witness to the deep-seated Anglo-Catholic faith of the Gibbs family, who amassed their fortune through the trade of Peruvian 'guano' fertiliser.
The grounds of Tyntesfield blend aesthetic charm with practicality, boasting a delightful array of natural wonders.
From blossoming terraces to serene lakes, dense woodlands to flourishing kitchen gardens, there's endless exploration to be had.
Each passing season unveils a fresh facet of Tyntesfield's beauty, inviting visitors to revel in its timeless allure.
A Neo-Gothic home
The opulent Tyntesfield mansion, as it stands today, was commissioned by William Gibbs (1790–1875), a prosperous merchant who amassed his wealth through trading ventures with Spain and South America.
Originally named Tyntes Place, this Georgian residence and its surrounding estate were acquired by William Gibbs in 1844.
It wasn't until 1863, however, that Gibbs embarked on a grand renovation project, transforming the property into Tyntesfield in adherence to the Gothic Revival style, serving as both a testament to his religious beliefs and a reflection of his Anglo-Catholic faith.
William Gibbs was born in Madrid to Dorothea Barnetta Hucks, affectionately known as Dolly, and Antony Gibbs (1756-1815), an expatriate agent specialising in wool, wine, and fruit.
Antony's business faced challenges, particularly during the Anglo-Spanish conflicts of the early 19th century.
However, when he secured trading licenses from both British and Spanish authorities for South America, the company began to flourish.
Growing up, William received education both in Spain and England, becoming fluent in Spanish and English.
Initially sent to school in Devon, financial difficulties in the family necessitated his departure at the age of 12 to join his father's enterprise.
In 1806, he commenced his career as a clerk in his uncle's Bristol-based West-Indian trading and investment company, then operating under the name Gibbs, Richards and Gibbs, where he worked for three years.
Tyntesfield is characterised by soaring pinnacles, crenelated towers, oriel windows and arches, all exquisitely carved from local Bath stone.
Its sumptuous interiors were designed by another friend of Pugin’s, J.G. Crace (1809–89), and feature neo-Gothic stained glass, mosaics, gilt and stencilled wall panels, and ornate ironwork by Hart, Son, Peard & Co.
Today, no National Trust place has a bigger collection of objects than Tyntesfield.
Highlights inside the house at Tyntesfield
All visitors came into the house through the intensely Gothic Cloister, providing an impressive entrance through a series of bays with vaulted ceilings supported by finely carved stone pillars.
With thousands of books, Tyntesfield's Library would be the perfect place to spend a rainy afternoon.
The family used to love the children putting on plays in the bay window.
If you look up to the cornice above the fireplace, there is a motto that reads, ‘In God my refuge and hope’ highlighting the devout beliefs of the family.
The dining room is another highlight - architectural details include the fine oak ceiling and panelling, with a frieze of heraldic lions, and Antony Gibbs’s initials and family motto ‘Tenax propositi’ (tenacious of purpose) carved into and above the granite columns in front of the windows.
The Chapel
Following the completion of the house, in 1873 William commissioned a new chapel by Arthur Blomfield (1829–99), modelled on the flamboyant Gothic architecture of the Sainte Chapelle in Paris.
It was nearly complete in 1875, just before William’s death.
The chapel was licensed for family services, used daily for prayers, but was never consecrated.
William and Antony employed chaplains who conducted many of the services.
Paintings
A considerable portion of the family's expansive art collection, predominantly acquired from Spain by William, has been generously donated to the Trust.
This decision was influenced partly by the artworks' deteriorating condition, marred not only by water damage but also, ironically, by guano.
Among the collection, the centrepiece is a 17th-century masterpiece by Zambrano depicting St. Lawrence, prominently displayed on one of the walls in the hall.
Local art conservators Bush and Berry, situated in a chapel erected by William Gibbs in the village of Flax Bourton, meticulously restored and cleaned this prized artwork.
Additionally, in 2011, the Trust acquired "The Mater Dolorosa" (Mother of Sorrows) by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo at a Christie's auction in New York.
This painting, which had adorned the walls of Tyntesfield since William's ownership until around 1910, now enriches the Trust's collection.
Park
The house is nestled amidst 150 acres of picturesque parkland, acquired by the Trust through auction, strategically retained to preserve the estate's natural setting.
The wooded expanse leads visitors along tree-lined avenues to charming balustraded terraces, while winding paths unveil the beauty of the rose garden, quaint summer houses, an aviary, and the former concrete-lined lake, left empty since the Second World War.
From the late nineteenth century onwards, William Gibbs and his descendants enriched the parkland surrounding the house and gardens with a captivating array of tree species.
Today, the estate proudly boasts fourteen Champion Trees listed on The National Tree Register.
In 2022, the National Trust initiated a five-year project aimed at conserving ancient, veteran, and notable trees across various sites in Bristol, including Tyntesfield.
The significance of Tyntesfield extends beyond its architectural and historical value, as its ancient and veteran trees harbor populations of rare, vulnerable, and endangered invertebrates, elevating its importance on a national scale.
Entry to the National Trust property is £19 for adults (free for members).
Someone who recently visit, said; “What a gem of a house this is. Beautiful architecture, panelling and fireplaces and furniture.
”We were completely enthralled by the place and all the volunteers were very friendly and extremely knowledgeable. So glad we visited. Would rate it very highly.”
Another person added: “We had a lovely day at Tyntesfield, it is really dog friendly. We enjoyed the long walk around the grounds and loved seeing everything growing in the greenhouses.
“Lots of beautiful flowers in the garden, I am sure it will be amazing in the summer. We ate a hot meal from the cafe, it was tasty and service was quick despite how busy it was over the Easter weekend.
”The house was full of the original furniture and a huge amount of rooms were open to view.”
Visitor access is via the main entrance on the B3128 road, which can be accessed from the M5 motorway following the signs from either junction 19 or 20.
Pay & Display Parking is available 50 metres from the Home Farm Visitor Centre and ticket office.
The Home Farm Visitor Centre is the first point of access, and provides various services including a cafe, restaurant, shop, toilets and the ticket office.
Entry to the house is via timed ticket in 30-minute entry blocks.
There is a 400-metre walkway from the visitor centre to the house through the gardens and some woods, or a bio-diesel bus can be taken along a route via the house to the Orangery.
If you’d like to visit, the address is: Wraxall, Bristol BS48 1NX.
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