An ancient site where many have fallen for the beauty and bounty of the natural landscape.
There is evidence that the lands at Abbots Grange have been chosen as a place to settle for many thousands of years. In 2014 archaeologists working on a new flood alleviation scheme on land on the property unearthed beautifully worked flints along with bone and antler fragments, providing unquestionable evidence of early human occupation dating back over 5000 years when hunter-gatherers roamed Britain.
In 55AD, an invasion force was moving rapidly across Europe. The Roman Empire was settling and the Cotswolds, Bath and Cirencester became integral parts of Roman Britain. An area of raised land, by a natural brook and sheltered by the lee of Broadway hill cast its spell, and a complex of round houses and enclosures protecting a thriving Roman community was established on lands at Abbots Grange.
Built during the early part of the 14th century Abbots Grange was established in 1320 as the summer manor house and retreat for the Abbot of Pershore. The Benedictine monks used it as a base for managing agricultural lands and spiritual activities – and occasionally treated themselves to a glass beer or mead or both! Abbots Grange remains one of the best preserved domestic buildings in England and a rare surviving example of a monastic manor.
Out of the Churches ownership the buildings served many uses over the next 200 years. Although the history books are sparse we know that Abbots Grange served as the village poor house. The Abbots cell was used as the village lock up and sometime in the 1700’s the building was let to locals as a series of tenements with many families accommodated. Eventually, the building fell into a dilapidated state.
In the late 19th century, Abbots Grange gained attention when it became the home of the American artist Frank Millet and his wife Lily. He saved an outstandingly beautiful building from certain ruin and, with the help of good friend William Morris, restored it to its former glory. His influence helped turn Broadway into an Anglo-American artists’ colony including Alfred Parsons, Edwin Abbey and John Singer Sargent.
Read more about the captivating story of Millet’s ownership – Shadows on a Summer’s Day.
On 10th April 1912, just prior to the start of the First World War, Millet made the fateful decision to board the RMS Titanic on its maiden voyage and perished along with passengers and crew. Following the outbreak of war in 1914, the house was used to accommodate troops brought back from the front. Lily sold Abbots Grange in the mid 1920’s and journeyed back with the children to America.
The Taee family became custodians of Abbots Grange in 1998, restoring and preserving its historical significance, ensuring its continued legacy as a cherished landmark in Broadway. In 2010 certain parts were tailored to provide for guests staying at the Grange and in 2016 the elm clad Coach House was rebuilt following the buildings total loss to fire.
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