Minstead Lodge

Description: Owned by the Prestons 1859-1895; Mrs Matthews Duncan (1839-1915), widow of James Matthews Duncan, Queen Victoria's obstetrian, from 1898 to her death; two Earls of Northesk d. 1921 and 1924, forcing its sale to Lord Congleton to pay death duties.The following information came from a NFDC web page which I cannot find now.At one time successive members of the Preston family lived in Minstead Lodge followed by the Duncan Family. Dr Duncan was a physician to Queen Victoria. One of his daughters married John Compton, Rector of Minstead Church. The Congleton branch of the Parnell family then took over the house. The 7th Baron, Lord Congleton was a very active man with interests in both the matters of the Church and the Village. Tragically he was killed in a car accident in 1967. As he was unmarried, the house was sold for death duties. Mr and Mrs James Ward purchased it and lived there until the 1970's when they sold it to Mr Tim.Selwood. Mr Selwood set up a charitable trust in memory of his brother. It was run as a non denominational Christian Community for residential retreats and conferences, and for people who were trying to begin their lives again.The use of the building was extended in 1986 when Martin Lennearts established the Minstead Training Project, which shared the building with the Christian Community. The Project expanded considerably and now uses all of the property.Minstead Training Project offers training in work, life and social skills to young people with learning difficulties. They are trained in horticulture, woodwork, literacy, numeracy, and catering. They live within a caring, Christian environment.

Date: 1832

Last import: August 15, 2017