Belhus was a fine example of a gentleman's country
seat. This painting is from 1710 before the grounds were
landscaped by Capability Brown and the mansion influenced
by the gothic style. It was for many years the home of
the Barrett Lennard family. It was demolished in the 1960s
and the ruins can be seen on a golf course that was built
on part of the park. Parts of the original interior can
be seen at Thurrock museum and others at Valence House,
Dagenham. Some recently rediscovered heraldic glass is
described in Panorama 36.
Origin of the name Belhus
|