Port Eliot House

House & Family History: The core of Port Eliot was built in the 12th century as a monastery for the adjoining St. Germans Priory Church (the former cathedral for Cornwall). The House was substantially altered and remodeled in the 17th and 18th centuries, leaving it as seen today. After hosting the legendary Elephant Fayre music festival from 1981 to 1986, Peregrine, 10th Earl of St. Germans, began a new festival at Port Eliot in 2003. The Port Eliot Festival, which is held each summer, is described on the Festival's website (www.porteliotfestival.com) as "an annual celebration of words, music, imagination, laughter, exploration, and – above all – fun."
Garden & Outbuildings: Port Eliot is today a 6,000-acre Estate that extends into the neighboring villages of Polbathic, Tideford, and Trerulefoot. On the grounds is the Museum of Folklore.

Chapel & Church: St. Germans Priory Church on the Port Eliot Estate was originally the cathedral for the whole of Cornwall.
Architect: Henry Harrison

Date of Birth: Circa 1785
Date of Death: Circa 1865
Nationality: British
Notes: Harrison was the son of a London surveyor. He developed a large practice specializing in the design of lesser country houses.

Date: 1829
Designed: Gothic Entrance Hall and porch for 2nd Earl of St. Germans

View all houses

Architect: Charles Rawlinson

Date of Birth: 1729
Date of Death: 1786
Nationality: British
Notes: Rawlinson was an 18th century Cornish carpenter and joiner who may also have designed some buildings.

Date: 18th century
Designed: Long Gallery for Edward, 1st Lord Eliot (demolished 1829).
(Attribution of this work is uncertain)
View all houses

Architect: John Soane

Date of Birth: 1753
Date of Death: 1837
Nationality: British
Notes: Routinely considered one of England's greatest architects, even in his lifetime, Soane's influence continues to be substantial. Blundeston House is one of his earliest works, while Letton Hall and Tyringham are considered among his most significant.

Date: 1804-06
Designed: Remodeled House and designed new Stables for 2nd Lord Eliot

View all houses
John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 232, 1853. 2.S. Vol. II, p. 136, 1855.

Country Life: CIV, 778, 828, 882, 1948.
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pgs. 464, 793, 910
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback

Title: Debrett's Peerage and Baronetage, 1990
Author: Kidd, Charles; Williamson, David (Editors)
Year Published: 1990
Reference: pg. P 1075
Publisher: London: Debrett's Peerage Limited (New York: St. Martin's Press, Inc.)
ISBN: 0312046405
Book Type: Hardback

Title: Country Life: 100 Favourite Houses
Author: Green, Candida Lycett
Year Published: 1999
Publisher: London: Boxtree
ISBN: 0752213334
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade I
"The Aristocracy" (1997 - BBC TV documentary mini series). "Delicious" (2016-18 - TV series).
Current Seat / Home of: Albert Clarence Eliot, 11th Earl of St. Germans.

Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01503-230-211

Email: info@porteliot.co.uk

Website: http://www.porteliot.co.uk

Historic Houses Member: Yes

House, Family & Collections History

Gardens, Outbuildings, Chapel & Church History

Architects

Historic Publications References

Bibliography / Reading List for this House

Listings for House & Park

Location for Film & TV

Families Who’ve Lived Here / Current Ownership Type & Use

Access

VISIT AND HELP PRESERVE HISTORIC BRITISH HOUSES