Knightshayes Court is a Victorian country house near Tiverton, Devon, England, designed by William Burges for the Heathcoat-Amory family. Nikolaus Pevsner describes it as "an eloquent expression of High Victorian ideals in a country house of moderate size." The house is Grade I listed, and the gardens are Grade II* listed in the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
The house was built between 1870 and 1872, and is a fine example of Gothic Revival architecture. Burges was a leading exponent of this style, and Knightshayes is considered to be one of his masterpieces. The house is built of red sandstone, with a variety of architectural features, including turrets, gables, and gargoyles.
The interior of the house is just as impressive as the exterior. The Great Hall is the most striking room, with its high vaulted ceiling and minstrels' gallery. The walls are decorated with murals by Burges, depicting scenes from Arthurian legend.
Other notable rooms in the house include the Drawing Room, with its beautiful tapestry and fireplace; the Dining Room, with its stained-glass windows and oak furniture; and the Billiard Room, with its original billiard table.
The gardens at Knightshayes are also worth a visit. There is a walled garden, with a variety of flowers and vegetables; a woodland garden, with a network of paths and a lake; and a parkland, with sheep and cattle grazing.
Knightshayes Court is a popular tourist destination, and is open to the public throughout the year. Visitors can take a guided tour of the house and gardens, or explore at their own pace. There is also a tearoom and gift shop on site.
Knightshayes Court, Bolham, Tiverton, Devon EX16 7RQ
Statutory Heritage Listing
Grade: I (Grade One). This denotes a building of "exceptional interest." Only about 2.5% of listed buildings in England are Grade I, placing Knightshayes among the most significant architectural sites in the country.
List Entry Number: 1384684
Date First Listed: May 12, 1975
Significance: Recognized as a premier example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Designed by the eccentric William Burges, it is celebrated for its "picturesque" silhouette, complex roofline with gables and turrets, and its use of local red Hensleigh stone.
Local Designations
Registered Park and Garden: The surrounding grounds are separately listed as Grade II* on the National Register of Historic Parks and Gardens, highlighting the importance of the landscape designed by Edward Kemp.
Conservation Area: While an independent estate, Knightshayes is a major cultural anchor for the Tiverton area, maintained by the National Trust as a primary heritage asset for the region.
Site Components & Heritage Records
The Mansion: The principal High Victorian Gothic house (1869–1872).
The Stables: Also designed by Burges in 1872, featuring similar Gothic motifs and currently housing the visitor cafe and shop.
The Walled Kitchen Garden: A massive, restored Victorian garden that remains productive today.
Historic Environment Record (HER): The main estate and associated features are indexed under ID MDV61375 (Knightshayes Park) and MDV1382 (Knightshayes Court).
Chronology of Historic Uses
1869–1874: Built for Sir John Heathcoat-Amory, grandson of the lace-industry pioneer John Heathcoat.
1914–1918: Served as a voluntary aid detachment hospital during the First World War.
WWII: Utilized as a convalescent "rest home" for the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF).
1972: Gifted to the National Trust by the Heathcoat-Amory family.
Current/Recent: Operated as a major National Trust visitor attraction, renowned for its "Garden in the Wood" and rare Stické tennis court.
Knightsahayes Court (National Trust) (Opens in new window) The official Knightshayes Court website, hosted by the National Trust, provides a comprehensive set of resources to help visitors plan their trip. Key information available on the website includes:
Visiting Essentials
Opening Times
Pricing & Admission
Directions & Location
Things to See and Do
The Gothic Mansion
Gardens & Estate
*Collections:
Facilities & Accessibility
Food & Shopping
Accessibility Guide
Dog-Friendly Info
4. Community & Activities
Walking Trails
Groups & Schools
Events
