History of Rockbeare Manor
The history of Rockbeare Manor in Devon is rich and varied. The manor of Rockbeare, meaning 'Rook Wood', is Grade I Listed and a fine example of a Regency country home which looks as though it has come straight out of a Jane Austen novel.
Built in 1760
It was built in about 1760 for Sir John Duntze, a wealthy Exeter woollen merchant and banker, who added the splendid Adam-style dining room in 1769. He represented Tiverton in Parliament from 1768 until 1795, and was made a baronet in 1774. He died on 5 February 1795. About 1820 the house was re-modelled with complete simplicity and refinement. The bows and top storey were added at this time, with the pavilions and arches belonging to the earlier scheme.
A Family Home
In 1914 Rockbeare Manor was inherited by Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Spencer Follett, who was invested as a Commander for the Order of the British Empire (C.B.E.). Since 1855 Rockbeare Manor had been owned by the Nation family, from which, on his mother's side, Colonel Follett is descended. For nearly thirty years before his succession in 1914 the house had been let on an annual lease to the Bolitho family, an arrangement which caused it to fall into a poor state of repair. Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Spencer Follett died on 9th January 1940 and the house continued to be passed through the family, initially to his daughter Delia Follett and after she died, to her daughter Caroline Patricia Griffith-Williams.
Caroline later married Gerard Noel at Rockbeare Church on 28 June 1965. They lived happily at Rockbeare Manor for much of their married life, bringing up their five children there also.
A Piece of History
To read more about the history of Rockbeare Manor in Devon, and to have a look inside and see some of the historic features that still remain, read our blog below:
Rockbeare Manor Now
In 2015 Rockbeare Manor was acquired by PM Hospitality Ltd, an experienced and professional events company, led by Andrew and Aimée Carveth.
After an intensive renovation lasting 9 months - Rockbeare Manor was given a new lease of life and has been sensitively transformed into a wonderful contemporary venue, whilst still retaining the beauty of its past.
We held our first event on 11th June 2016 and the venue continues to be, without doubt a truly outstanding setting for a wedding or special occasion.
