Description:A postcard of the south-east view of Beaudesert Hall, near Gentleshaw, residence of the Marquis of Anglesey. The building dated from the 15th century with later alterations. The walled garden is on the left.
Subject to fire damage in 1909, it was restored but in 1920 the Marquis moved to his other residence at Plas Newydd, Anglesey. Beaudesert was offered for sale without success, and the estate was again offered for sale in 1932. The fabric of the house was auctioned in 1935 and demolition commenced. The residual ruins (Grade II listed) remain today only because the demoltion contractor was made bankrupt.
In 1937 the Marquis donated 124 acres for recreational use by Scouts, Guides and similar groups ; this was opened in 1938.
The 1st Marquis of Anglesey was Henry Willliam Paget, Earl of Uxbridge, who famously had part of a leg shot off at Waterloo in 1815, while standing at the Duke of Wellington's side. He is reported as saying to the Duke : "By God, sir, I've lost my leg!" To which Wellington replied, "By God, sir, so you have!".
Postcard from Smith's Series, The Stores, Gentleshaw, 'TeeSee Series'.