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George Clarke officially opens restored Gatehouse at St Osyth Priory
Renowned architect and TV presenter George Clarke has officially opened an historic landmark which has been a crucial element of decades of careful restoration work. George, who is best known for his work on the Channel 4 programmes The Home Show, The Restoration Man and George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, visited St Osyth Priory to see the work carried out on the Gatehouse.
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| Credit: KAT Marketing |
The priory, in the village of St Osyth, dates back to the 12th century when it was founded as a house for Augustinian canons and is considered to be one of the East of England's finest heritage sites. The priory's imposing Gatehouse, which is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and a Grade I listed building, dates back to 1481 and is one of the finest examples, in Britain, of the use of flint flushwork. Following careful restoration, the Gatehouse has now become part of the priory's reincarnation as a beautiful wedding venue.
The Gatehouse is one of 16 listed buildings at the priory which have been lovingly restored by the Sargeant family who bought the estate in 1999.
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| Credit: KAT Marketing |
William Grinsted, Managing Director of St Osyth Priory Estate said: "It has been a labour of love to restore these amazing buildings, and we are so proud of what we have achieved. Every care has been taken to ensure we have stayed true to the historic significance of the buildings. We have now been able to breathe new life into them, so the priory has become a stunning wedding venue with beautiful accommodation."
George, who cut the ribbon for the official opening, was joined by VIP representatives, including Clacton's Reform MP Nigel Farage, for the event which included a guided tour of the priory led by the master craftsman and estate managers. Visitors were also able to see the recently renovated Darcy House which has been restored to reflect its history as a great feasting hall while also incorporating modern amenities.
There was also a panel discussion and Question and Answer session with George, restoration experts and St Osyth Priory representatives. William commented: "The Gatehouse has been a focal point for life in St Osyth for centuries and we are thrilled that it now has not only been restored to its glories of the past, but it also has a sustainable future at the heart of this community. The crest on the Gatehouse bears the motto 'may the hopes of our forefathers endure' and this is a legacy that all of the team at St Osyth Priory take very seriously. To now make the Gatehouse the centrepiece of a luxury wedding venue will mean this incredible building will host many more memories that will last a lifetime".
Simon Vernon-Harcourt, Design and Planning Director at City & Country added: "You cannot spend time at St Osyth Priory without appreciating the sense of history and grandeur within the estate. This special place has been central to people's way of life for centuries. Now, a new community is enjoying this area as homebuyers build new lives in such a beautiful setting. City & Country is committed to conserving and restoring Britain's architectural heritage and building new communities that will develop their own long-standing history. We look forward to seeing the historic estate being cherished by future generations."
To learn more about St Osyth Priory, visit: www.stosythpriory.co.uk
