WHITSON COURT; ORATORY COLLEGE OF OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL SUCCOUR
Site Details
© Copyright and database right 2021. All rights reserved. Ordnance Survey licence number 0100022206
NPRN 21147
Map Reference ST38SE
Grid Reference ST37128471
Unitary (Local) Authority Newport
Old County Monmouthshire
Community Goldcliff
Type of Site COUNTRY HOUSE
Broad Class DOMESTIC
Period Post Medieval
Site Description Whitson Court was built in 1750 probably by the architect John Nash for William Phillips (High Sherrif). It is built of brick with bathstone dressings,a dentil cornice and parapet; of 3 storeys with one storey wings and a slate roof. The central Italianate porch is built in matching materials and has paired Doric pilasters, entablature with enriched decoration to the parapet and a round arched doorway with a keystone. The interior retains much historic character including virtually all its plaster cornices and friezes, and contemporary classicising fireplaces to most of principal rooms and some bedrooms, as well as most of original doors.
From 1903 the house was a convent occupied by an order of nuns, the Sacramentines of Bernay of the Perpetual Adorers of the Blessed Sacrament fled here from religious persecution in France. They lived in the house at the invitation of its owner, Rev. Oliver Rodie Vassall-Phillips. By 1932 it is believed they had left the house for the United States of America.
Reference: Cadw listed buildings database.
