Houghton House | |
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General information | |
Type | Manor house |
Location | Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire |
Country | England |
Coordinates | 52°02′38″N 0°29′11″W / 52.044°N 0.48626°W |
Ordnance Survey | TL0392239484 |
Construction started | 1615 |
Completed | 1621 |
Demolished | 1794 (roof and interiors only, natural decay thereafter) |
Client | Mary Sidney |
Owner | English Heritage |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | |
Designations | Grade I listed building |
Website | |
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/houghton-house/ |
Houghton House is a ruined mansion house in the parish of Houghton Conquest, Bedfordshire. It is a Grade I listed building,[1] positioned above the surrounding countryside, and commands excellent views. Built from 1615 to 1621, it is said that the house was the model for House Beautiful in John Bunyan's The Pilgrim's Progress (1678). It was abandoned in 1794 and stripped (by the owner) of its interiors and roof for sale as building supplies. Today the property is owned by English Heritage, and is open to free public access during daylight hours.[2]