History is at the heart of St Osyth Priory Estate, with 1,400 years of legend, myth and mystery woven into the fabric of the estate’s magnificent parkland and collection of ancient buildings.
As restoration and improvements continue across the estate, the preservation of its unique habitats and historic landmarks are of paramount importance – giving new life to this incredible destination within the community of St Osyth.
A poignant moment within this transformation will be the restoration to its former glory of the heraldic crest of the Earl of Rochford, which is set to return to its position on The Gatehouse of the St Osyth Priory Estate before the end of November.
Having overlooked the estate since the 18th century, the Earl of Rochford’s coat of arms was removed from The Gatehouse as an essential part of the schedule of refurbishment. Featuring coronets, lions and a pair of buck horns, the design of the emblem also includes the Latin motto Spes Durat Avorum, which translates as, may the hopes of our forefathers endure.
When Frederic Nassau de Zuylestein, 3rd Earl of Rochford, took possession of the estate in 1721 it became his main seat in England. Quickly, he began an expansive programme of improvements which shaped many aspects of the estate as it is seen today.
In recent years, a multi-million-pound schedule of works on the estate has helped to secure the future of one of the largest collections of ecclesiastical buildings in the country, while also giving the estate a viable economic future with the upcoming launch of a luxury wedding venue, holiday accommodation, a café and a farm shop.
Returning the reconditioned coat of arms to its prominent position on The Gatehouse will be special in so many ways for the team at St Osyth Priory. As well as a symbolic example of the way in which the history of the estate is being restored and given new life for the future, there is a real feeling that the whole approach in the estate’s transformation is in keeping with the Earl of Rochford’s family motto, ‘may the hopes of our forefathers endure’.
William Grinstead, spokesperson for St Osyth Priory Estate, commented: “This is a truly special moment for the estate in what has been a significant programme of change. Restoring the numerous ancient and listed buildings on the estate has been the cornerstone of the project and the team has a very real sense of fulfilling the coat of arms inscription – enabling the hopes of the forefathers of the estate to endure. It is exciting to think that the refurbished crest will stand proud over the estate for many more centuries to come.”
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