Kennaway House was known as Fort House for almost 100 years. It was built in 1805 and from 1815 it was the home of the Kennaway family – including Sir John Henry Kennaway (MP for Sidmouth and East Devon who served in the House of Commons for nearly 40 years). After the Kennaways moved out the house fell on hard times and came near to being demolished in in the 19th Century. Fortunately. It was rescued by Edwardian benefactors in 1906, and renamed Church House. However, just before celebrating it’s centenary as Church House it was almost demolished again - due to being in a chronic state of disrepair.
In 2001, new trustees with the support of the community set about raising the one million pounds required for its restoration as a grade 2 listed building. It is now being restored and will open again in 2009. I am so glad, once lost, these beautiful buildings can never be regained. England has lost way too many already.
All photos below taken early evening today by Jan Marshall ©
I can’t wait to see it restored!
Kennaway House is Registered Charity No: 1122667
All of us involved with Kennaway House think your pictures are fantastic. We can’t wait for it to be finished either but unfortunately we need a lot more money to do that . Visit Kennaway House and look at the notice board ( as shown in Jan’s picture) and see how you can help.
Thanks Jackie, I look forward to seeing the restoration work continue. I shall be taking some updated pics of the site soon.
[...] 2008 by Author The Kennaway House restoration project continues … read my previous post here. I received the lovely comment below after my original [...]
[...] http://sidmouthdevon.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/kennaway-house-restoration-project/ [...]
Just this week while researching my grandchildren’s family tree I discovered that their ancestors are the Kennaways of Sidmouth and Escott and Exeter. The first Sir john Henry kennaway, Baronet born around 1765 is the brother of their x5 great grandfather, Thomas kennaway a wine merchant.The kennaways were originally from Fife in Scotland. I hope to visit in the spring.
Sheila
Sheila,
How wonderful to find out such a fascinating fact when researching yor family tree. I think Kennaway house is set to re-open in May 2009 – so depending on when you visit you may be able to see it. Have you been to Sidmouth before?
Do let me know the date you are coming to Sidmouth – I would be interested to hear more.
Jan
[...] http://sidmouthdevon.wordpress.com/2008/07/08/kennaway-house-restoration-project/ [...]
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I have a large brown bottle bought at a local ‘Boot Sale’ in Norfolk with the caption: Kennaways, founded 180 years ago . (This would make the foundation date 18th. century, I think)
I wondered if your readers could guide me to the right manufacturer’s of this bottle ! It is not wine-shaped; it is bulbous, brown but with no ridges denoting ‘poison’. My email is: brooks@fast4.net
Tony, the bottle sounds interesting. I’m intrigued. I wonder if it from the same family? Some of the ancestors were wine merchants, I believe.
Author.
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