About Me
Mary Chisholm BA, MA, MSt (Cantab)
Email: contact@exploringbuildinghistory.co.uk
Photograph by Deborah Johnson.
Taken at Montacute House with
kind permission of the National Trust
I am an historian with a passion for architectural history. However, it is difficult to isolate the building from the people and I find myself often wandering into the realms of local and social history.
Having spent a number of years researching aspects of Montacute House in Somerset, I wanted to bring to light the culture of the country house.
I have been researching the diaries of Edward Phelips V (1725-1797) of Montacute House, which provides a fascinating insight into how the local Somerset gentry spent their days. I have set up this blog to share the discoveries of the country house and its culture.
Whilst Somerset, and in particular Monatcute, is the starting point it will be difficult for me to restrict myself to one county. Although I will be making attempts to reflect on why Somerset has its own unique nature compared with other English counties. I hope you enjoy sharing my discoveries and adventures in The Somerset Country House!