Troy House a Tudor Estate Across Time
What do others say about this book?
‘Dr Ann Benson’s exhaustive study of Troy House, its historic gardens and estate is a model for scholars of garden history, employing all possible methods of research from unpublished manuscripts to modern archaeological techniques. Generously illustrated and rigorously argued, Benson’s book traces the ownership of this seemingly modest Welsh estate from powerful medieval lords, through the Earls of Pembroke and especially the Somerset family (Earls of Worcester and later Dukes of Beaufort) and finally to a small order of French nuns in the twentieth century. Benson’s fascinating book teases out the contributions made by them all’.
Dr Paula Henderson, Independent Architectural and Garden Historian
‘Troy’s past is that of an aristocratic seat but it is rarely discussed in the history of the great country house. In this book, the author examines both house and estate, reveals documentary and visual evidence from across the centuries and assesses Troy’s significance for the first time. It is a huge achievement and contribution to the field and, since the house has been under threat for a century or more, future historians will be in Ann Benson’s debt for a timely investigation of somewhere so fascinating and yet so fragile.’
Professor Maurice Howard, President of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain
‘Ann Benson draws on a wide range of sources, including Welsh poetry, to reveal the remarkable story of a forgotten Welsh house from its medieval origins through to the present day. I recommend this very impressive, fascinating study to anyone interested in the history of houses and gardens.’
Professor Dafydd Johnston, Director of University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies
Benson is to be congratulated on a new book that finally does justice to the history, architecture and landscape of Troy House. When this book was written, Troy was deemed a listed building at risk. An afterword is now necessary. In February 2018, planning permission was granted for the development of the house and gardens, subject to approval by the Welsh government. Troy House is now entering a new phase, and it is hoped that this admirable book will inform the sympathetic redevelopment of this decaying yet remarkable house.
Richard Suggett, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, Society of Antiquaries of London Journal.
Well-produced, painstakingly researched and copiously illustrated, this micro-history of a major but virtually unknown building is a useful contribution to our understanding of late Stuart country houses and their setting.
Geoffrey Tyack, The Georgian