Zeals: A Biography of an English Country House

Zeals, an English Country Manor House in Wiltshire, was once a vibrant home for landed gentry, but now faces the risk of being lost to history. With a rich past that includes hosting Charles II and being the site of a family tragedy, the house has undergone various changes over the centuries, with additions by Victorian architect George Devey. The book "Zeals: A History of an English Country House" by Jennie Elias chronicles the lives of the Chafyn-Grove family and explores the joys and tragedies of their generations, as well as the architecture of the house.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2022
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Zeals, an English country manor house nestled in the picturesque Wiltshire countryside, exuded a vibrant and lively atmosphere. It was a haven for the landed gentry, but unfortunately, it has now found itself on Historic England's "At Risk register." This captivating house boasts a rich history that dates back to medieval times. During his escape to the coast, Charles II sought refuge at Zeals, and a family member paid the ultimate price for daring to confront his parliamentary troops—a beheading by Oliver Cromwell. The house has undergone various changes over the centuries, with medieval origins giving way to later additions, primarily during the nineteenth century, crafted by the renowned Victorian architect George Devey. Additionally, there were earlier alterations in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The Chafyn-Grove family, later known as Troyte-Bullock, resided at Zeals for an impressive 500 years until the mid-twentieth century. Unfortunately, their fate mirrored that of many other estates in England during that time. Jennie Elias delves into the joys and tragedies experienced by generations of Zeals residents, showcasing a diverse range of characters, from haughty to charming, eccentric to prejudiced. While there were failures stemming from political levelling down and cultural shifts, they were also partly responsible for their own downfall. This comprehensive history not only explores the intricacies of Zeals' past but also celebrates its architectural splendor.

Weight: 682g
Dimension: 167 x 243 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781445678214