Great House of St George

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The Great House of St George on Tiverton's St Peter Street was built by George Slee (1555–1613) a wealthy wool merchant, clothier and philanthropist, probably to replace his home which was lost in the fire of 1598 and which killed his daughter, Eleanor and destroyed much of the town. From 1613 the Great House was used as a meeting house for members of the wool trade guild and as business premises.

Describing the history of the Great House. Text can be read at end of this page.

The Grade II listed building—a gabled, two storied town house with attic—includes a Tudor and Jacobean merchant’s town house displaying historical architectural features such as original panels and doors, relieving arches, mullioned windows and an arched entrance with screen passage, which leads to a garden and coach house.

Next to the Great House are Slee's Almshouses, also a listed building. The ornate chest tomb of George Slee can be visited in Tiverton's St Peter's Church, a testament to the philantropic deeds of Slee and his contribution to the development of the town. Slee manufactured and exported Tiverton kerseys, a course wollen cloth, which was transported via the River Exe to the port of Exeter.

Following another major fire in 1731 the building was remodelled. Restoration of the Great House was carried out by Mid Devon District Council.

The text on the exterior blue plaque reads:

HISTORIC TIVERTON

THE GREAT HOUSE of St George

This Jacobean building was erected for GEORGE SLEE (1555–1613)

wealthy clothier, wool merchant and benefactor of Tiverton as his home, business premises, and Guild headquarters

It probably replaced his home lost in the fire of 1598 which killed his daughter, Eleanor, & destroyed much of the town

Careful restoration was carried out by Mid Devon District Council in 1997–9

TIVERTON CIVIC CENTRE

Address: Great House of St George, St Peter Street, Tiverton, Devon

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