About The Bestwood Lodge HotelThe Story of an Estate - Page 6
Nell Gwynn’s first son Charles II was born on May 8 th 1670 and there were various versions of how he got his name. One is that they were in London watching a procession from a balcony and the little fellow nearly slipped over the balustrade. Nell is reported to have said “Come here you little bastard”, Charles was shocked and answered, “Nell, can’t thy not modify thy language?” and that she replied that without a name he would have no prospect in life. Charles thyen named him Charles Beauclerk (pronounced ‘Bo-clare’) and also created him Baron Heaington , and form then on appeared to take more interest in his welfare.
When the young Charles was 14 the King created him Duke of St Albans and gave him many valuable appointments, among these was the highly paid post of Hereditary Registrar of the Court of Chancery, Captain of Band of Gentlemen Pensioners and another was the Hereditary Grand Falconer of England. The latter gave the holder the right to ride up Rotton Row in Hyde Park, London, which none other than the Sovereign was allowed to do. It also entitled him to and his personal attendants the right to wear a special dress uniform. These were very special outfits made in rich Lincoln green Velvet with gold buttons, initialled with the cypher (St. A) and with four prominent outer pockets. Inside were exceptional large inner pockets to hold falcon or game and with this went a large velvet hat with a sweeping feather.
As another mark of his interest, King Charles arranged his betrothal to the wealthy heiress Diana De Vere, Evelyn the diarist referred to the young Charles as a pretty boy who later wore the same “black appearance” as his father. Macky wrote of him later, “He is a gentleman in every way bon naturel, well bred with a love of businesses, and is well affected to the constitution of his country”. Later still, Charles Duke of St. Albans fought gallantly in Flanders for King William III (1689-1702) dying in 1726 and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
When after the death of Charles II, James his brother learnt of Nell Gwynn’s distressed condition, he remembered his brothers dying wish, “Let no poor Nelly starve” and he quickly honoured the obligation. He granted her an allowance, paid the outstanding debts and secured the possession of Bestwood. In the receipts and expenses for the Secret Service of Charles II and James II (1685-1688), we find proof of final payment to Sir John Musters of Annesley and settlement of Bestwood upon Mrs Ellen Gwynn for life, and after her death upon the Duke of St. Albans and his issue male, with the reversion of the crown.
Building the Victorian Lodge
We must go now to the 1860s when the 19 th Duke of St Albans, William Amelius Aubrey de Vere Beauclerk (Motto: AUSPICIUM MELIORIS AEVI – A Pledge of Better Times) returned from his ‘grand tour’ and was confronted with a choice of residence. This could either be his birthplace, Radbourne in Lincolnshire, or his other inheritance at Bestwood and as we now know he chose the latter.
Bestwood’s oldest Plantagenet Lodge was obviously unsuitable for modern living. Adjoining this was a freak house, built by his immediate predecessor, Admiral Lord Amelius Beauclerk – who built his house on retirement from naval service after the style of the man-o-war he had recently commanded. The rooms were modelled after cabins and the house-length that of a quarter deck. This was again unsuitable for a family house. Advised by the well-known architect S.S Tulon, both these houses were demolished to make way for a large house in domestic Gothic style, with red brick and white stone facings. Gables and small-spired turrets flourish on the skyline around a central tower, with flying buttresses around the front entrance. This Lodge was finished in about 1863. It was a popular style for Victorian tastes whilst perhaps not pleasing everyone, it gives a most agreeable picture effect. Picture panels in white Mansfield stone decorate the outer walls, showing among others Edward III returning from hunting, King Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
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Thanks to all concerned for a fabulous wedding reception for our daughter, Jennifer and her (now) husband, Paul. The staff were great, nothing was too much trouble and the food, both at the reception and the evening BBQ was fantastic.
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