Today I learned of this now gone neo-gothic marvel. Fonthill-abbey was a manor of William Thomas Beckford and was built between 1796 and 1813 at Fonthill Gifford in Wiltshire, England.
As I understand, this building was one of the few that started neo-gothic style use in Great Britain, neglecting steady European fashion for baroque. Fun fact that the prominent feature of this grand structure – 90 meters tall octagonal tower – collapsed 3 times while Beckford was alive, and did collapse the 4-th time after he died. Reconstruction was very expensive, so after Beckford died, the whole structure was neglected, sold and later demolished.
What caught my attention in this building is a fine mix of the gothic elements, taken from old gothic style, used in cathedrals, and castle architecture elements, such as decorative battlements, towers and angled walls in some places.
MrMxylptlyksays
Oh we allowed to post cathedrals on here?? Some will be coming at you soon!!
Nephermancersays
This is almost fantastical and it makes me really sad that I can’t ascend that tower and jump off if I wanted to. Really wish buildings this grand were still around.
Overjay says
Long time lurker here.
Today I learned of this now gone neo-gothic marvel. Fonthill-abbey was a manor of William Thomas Beckford and was built between 1796 and 1813 at Fonthill Gifford in Wiltshire, England.
As I understand, this building was one of the few that started neo-gothic style use in Great Britain, neglecting steady European fashion for baroque. Fun fact that the prominent feature of this grand structure – 90 meters tall octagonal tower – collapsed 3 times while Beckford was alive, and did collapse the 4-th time after he died. Reconstruction was very expensive, so after Beckford died, the whole structure was neglected, sold and later demolished.
What caught my attention in this building is a fine mix of the gothic elements, taken from old gothic style, used in cathedrals, and castle architecture elements, such as decorative battlements, towers and angled walls in some places.
MrMxylptlyk says
Oh we allowed to post cathedrals on here?? Some will be coming at you soon!!
Nephermancer says
This is almost fantastical and it makes me really sad that I can’t ascend that tower and jump off if I wanted to. Really wish buildings this grand were still around.