Knightleys, Exeter
See James Knightley who died 1829.
1830 For sale. The household effects of the home of the late James Knightley on St. David's Hill.[1]
1855 'A considerable improvement has lately been effected in the vicinity of the path leading from Head Wear to the railway-station, by the filling up of the broad ditch of stagnant water immediately adjoining the footway, with the earth removed in the course of forming a carriage way to the residence of Mr. John Carew, on St. David's-hill.'[2]
1856 John Carew, Esq., of Knightleys.[3]
1861 Resident is John Carew and his wife Maria.[4]
1868 John Carew dies.[5]
1869 Lady Hotham is about take up her residence at Knightleys, Exeter, the seat of the late John Carew.[6]
1876 Lady Hotham will return to day to Knightleys, from Ireland.[7]
1878 Lady Hotham has returned to Knightleys from London.[8]
1882 Occupied by Lady Hotham.[9]
1884 Lady Hotham has returned to Knightleys from London[10]
1886 Yesterday Lady Hotham gave a garden party at Knightleys, which was largely attended[11]
1889 Lady Hotham has left Knightleys for Cannes.[12]
1896 Lady Hotham (formerly Mary Isabella Duckworth, the wife of John Thomas Buller Duckworth) sells the property to Lady Duckworth (her daughter Mary Georgiana Duckworth) and moves to live in London.[13]
1901 Resident is Mary Georgiana Duckworth, with her daughter Mary and a niece. Seven servants.[14] Mary Georgiana Duckworth died in 1902.
1903 'THE SALE OF "KNIGHTLEYS." Yesterday 'Knightleys,' the pretty residence in St. David's, Exeter, recently occupied Lady and Miss Duckworth, and now the property of Mrs. F. W. Loring, was offered for sale at the Rougemont Hotel by Messrs. Martin and Son, auctioneers, of Exeter. 'Knightleys' is most conveniently situated and, although in the city, is quite secluded. It is a two-floor residence, picturesque in appearance and standing in delightful grounds, from which beautiful views are obtainable. The grounds comprise about seven acres. Attached to the property are four cottages of modern construction. There was a large attendance at the auction, among those present being Mr. Heberden. C.B., Mr. Fursdon. Major Biddell, Mr. W. W. Tremlett, Mr. Gratwicke, Mr. Crowson, Mr. Osmond, Mr. F. Wilson, Mr. Hare, Mr. Lucas, and others. Mr. Thomas Martin, in opening the sale, said no one who visited Knightleys could fail to impressed by the beauty of the place and surroundings. There had been many inquirers, some of whom were very careful to measure the land with a view of ascertaining how many millions of bricks could be put upon it. He confessed that he hoped "Knightleys" would be sold for residential purposes. Of course, there were special uses to which it might be applied. "Knightleys" might suit either a member of Parliament or one who hoped to become a representative of the city. (Laughter.) Again, it might be bought by the Civic authorities, used as a mansion house and a banqueting hall. Exeter, of course, at the present moment had plenty of money, judging by what was going on. (Laughter.) If some it were spent in the purchase of "Knightleys" the citizens would have in return for their money that which they would be able look upon, in future with greater pleasure than, perhaps, upon some ether matters. Magnificent views were obtainable from the house. The grounds were lovely. Everything was in the pink condition. There was a bell of historical value which would not be sold with the property. This bell would be removed, but would be replaced by another of similar size and tone. Biddings were then invited. Mr. Crowson, who resides at Beech Hill, the adjoining property, started at £5,000. The chief of the remaining biddings were made by Mr. Crowson and a Totnes builder. The last bidding - £9,000 - was Mr. Crowson, and there being no advance upon this sum the auctioneer declared that the reserve had not been reached. The property was therefore withdrawn, but Mr. Martin was open to treat for the sale by private auction.'[15]
1907 Council debate converting the house to a men's hostel.[16]
1909 April. Edwin Maunder, Pork Dealer, Knightley House, St. David's.[17]
1909 June. Sale of furniture from the house (listed).[18]
1923 Knightley's Estate, St. David's, for sale 25 freehold building plots fronting St. David's Hill and Bonhay Road.[19]
Property demolished and numbers 73-91 built on the site.
Note: There is a house of the same name in Streatham Drive that post-dates this one: Knightleys, Streatham Drive, Exeter
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 13 March 1830
- ↑ Exeter Flying Post - Thursday 04 October 1855
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 06 December 1856
- ↑ 1861 census
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Friday 06 November 1868
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams - Tuesday 08 June 1869
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams - Wednesday 13 September 1876
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Friday 12 July 1878
- ↑ Western Times - Friday 05 May 1882
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette Daily Telegrams - Tuesday 15 July 1884
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Saturday 28 August 1886
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Friday 04 January 1889
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Tuesday 30 April 1907
- ↑ 1901 Census
- ↑ Exeter and Plymouth Gazette - Wednesday 22 April 1903
- ↑ Western Times - Thursday 25 April 1907
- ↑ Western Times - Wednesday 28 April 1909
- ↑ Western Times - Friday 18 June 1909
- ↑ Western Times - Friday 13 July 1923