Edge Hill

There’s been something on the site for a zillion years and the property has changed hands about 8 times but the main focus is the last owner.

In 1927 the estate was acquired by Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted, who owed his fortune to the fact that his father Marcus Samuel was the founder of the oil company Shell Transport & Trading. Lord Bearsted donated the house, gardens and art collection to the National Trust in 1948.

Bit of trivia is that the name Shell came from the shells that Marcus used to collect for his father to use in decortaing boxes that he sold.

In regards to Walter’s the art collection we are talking serious art collection. His first squash court was filled with canvases so he had to build a second. he was Chairman of Shell as well.

It’s good to be an Oil Baron.

Great afternoon, a bit ovewhelming with so much to see.Read more