Strawberry Hill House: Not so sweet?
Despite it’s somewhat sweet and sugar coated name, Strawberry Hill House (or ‘Castle’) stands to be an excellent representation of Gothic revival in Britain. Designed by the English author, Horace Walpole, in 1749 – 1776; the house acted as an inspiration to many of his Gothic novels due to its dark and obscure nature generating a series of dreams that would soon become the skeletons of Walpole’s stories.
After an interview with the House’s Learning Manager, Sally Stratton, I found that behind the dazzling white walls of Strawberry Hill castle, the house can be seen as a gothic piece of architecture from its gloomy characteristics. “While the white painted walls makes the house stand out from its surroundings the contrast between the shinning brightness of the gallery compared to the gloom and darkness of the hallways creates a dramatic journey through the house therefore making it more theatrical”. Another example of this could be the “Spooky atmosphere of dimly lit spaces such as the staircases with single candlelight to light the way; your never sure of what’s just beyond a doorway” Not to mention the spectacular features of the pinnacles and battlements as well as the shapes of the arches and windows similar to those of old churches and cathedrals. These are often known as Ogee Windows – a popular feature of Gothic architect.
On the 17th of November 2015, a group of female English literature students age 16 – 18 visited the Castle as part of their studies of the Gothic novels and history which opened a whole new perspective for them into the world of Gothic Literature. When I enquired about the benefits of the experience, one of the students said “It made me re-evaluate my previously thought stereotypes such as how typically we think that those who lived in the Gothic period were opposed to colour when in actual fact their taste was sometimes bright and modernised”. While the another stated “It opened me to an insight of the gothic life and how Horace came to adapt his idea through the environment he was living in and also the sheer beauty of the house was so beautiful it encouraged me to engage fully into what was being said about the context behind it”.
Other than being a beautiful tourist attraction, why is it important that we attempt to preserve these Gothic buildings? Is there any importance in terms of education?
Stratton believes it is vital that we strive to “preserve and restore these buildings as it is the first building of Gothic revival seen”. In 2004 Strawberry Hill House was part of the monument funds list of the most important endangered historic buildings in the world; admired to be a place of inspiration for decorative arts students and a treasure trove for those with a passion for history.
It is also important for students (specifically women raised in a growingly feminist society) to broaden our knowledge of English Literature beyond the focus of Shakespearian romances thereby encouraging each other to surpass the ongoing stereotype of women as we dig into a deeper, darker history.
By: Kirsty Thomas
