Streatham Hall, Exeter

Streatham Hall, Exeter.

of Streatham Drive, Exeter

formerly the site of Duryard Lodge, Exeter

1867 Build Commenced. 'On Friday afternoon last the foundation stone of the mansion to be erected near the site of Duryard Lodge, late the residence of S. Kingdon, Esq., for Richard Thornton West, Esq., was laid by his son, Richard Bowerman West, aged two years. On Saturday the workmen engaged raising the structure, numbering about 150, sat down to an excellent dinner, supplied by Mr. Cuthbertson, the expense being borne Mr. West. The dinner was laid out under the large marquee belonging to the Horticultural Society, in front of the site of the mansion. Toasts, and good wishes for the welfare of the West family, were given amid much cheering. The new mansion is to be called Streatham Hall, and being built Mr. W. Moore, of Fore-street-hill. The design, prepared Mr. Moore, is in the Italian style, the substructure being built of Westleigh stone, and the upper portion of white brick and Portland stone.'

1871 Living at Streatham Hall, Cowley Road, Exeter: Richard T. West (age 54 born Clapham), Retired East India Merchant. With his wife Sarah and son Richard B.

1879 Death of Richard Thornton West

1891 The Palm House, an addition designed by E. H. Harbottle, was added. Measuring 71ft by 40ft, it contained rockwork and plants. These were arranged by Robert Veitch and Son. The largest palm was 30ft tall, the rocks covered in green moss and ferns and tropical plants. In 1926 this was removed and installed at the Imperial Hotel, Exeter where it still exists as the Orangery.

1900 Death of Richard Bowerman West the son of the family died age 35

1902 Death of Sarah West, the last of the family at Streatham Hall. The house passed to Richard John Bowerman and his wife, the sister of Sarah West nee Eames.

1903 The house was offered for sale but failed to find a buyer. 'It contains entrance and inner halls, five elegant reception-rooms, magnificent billiard-room, 27 bed and dressing rooms, and extensive domestic offices and cellarage. The Mansion is surrounded by the most beautiful pleasure grounds arranged in terraces, and including an exquisite Italian garden, with lake and superb conservatory and palm house. There are extensive fruit and vegetable gardens'. It was then occupied by Richard John Bowerman.

1904 The contents on the untenanted building offered for sale. The hall has 32 rooms. Description given.

1906 The company of Streatham Hall Building Estate Co founded to acquire from Ellis, Son and Bowden a portion of the Streatham Hill Estate. 278 acres but not the mansion and 11 acres around it or the 100 acres of the Duryard Estate. Owners of the state are R. J. Bowermann and the children of Mrs. Eames (Maria D. Eames, Sarah E. Eames, T. D. Eames, Alice M. Eames, Kate Eames, and R. B. Eames). Directors are : R. J. Bowerman; C. E. Rowe; W. H. Reed; E. Shrimpton; R. Hancock and J. F. Bowden.

1911 Residing at Streatham Hall: William Haydon (age 54), Gardener (Domestic). With his wife and son.

1914 The Hall was requisitioned as accommodation for troops

1918 Streatham Hall Army Hospital.

1921 The census returns show it as Streatham Hall Hospital, Exeter and the employer of the persons there as the Ministry of Pensions.

1921 August. Ministry of Pensions Hospital, Bishop's Palace and Streatham Hall, Exeter.

1922 Bought by William Henry Reed and others and given to become the new site for the University of Exeter and renamed Reed Hall, Exeter. 'At yesterday's meeting of the Governors of Exeter University College, it was announced that Mr. W. H. Reed, J.P., Exeter, had purchased and presented to the College the mansion house Streatham Hall and ornamental grounds (area 11 acres). The College has decided to purchase the remainder of the land, including the farmhouse and outbuildings, of the Lower Hoopern Farm, and comprising an area of 107.5 acres. Some substantial contributions have been received towards the purchase this land. The College Committee hopes that, before the incorporation of the College, which it expected to effect this summer, the whole of the purchase money will have been subscribed, so that the estate can be handed over free of debt. The mansion house and estate, will be used as site for the new University College of the South-West of England.'

See Reed Hall, Exeter

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