Belmont Castle
The colourful history of our Belmont Castle Care Home
Our stunning two-storey Belmont Castle Care Home (also known as Belmont House) is set in three acres of beautiful gardens, with panoramic views across the Solent and the Downs. The property is believed to have been built around 1800 in the Georgian era; this is supported by its characteristic Georgian architectural elements, such as symmetrical facades, multi-paned sash windows, a central entrance, red brick walls, and a tiled roof.
Its beautiful Georgian-style structure and architectural significance has earned Belmont Castle status as a Grade II listed building which will help preserve and protect its rich historical roots for many years to come. It is an easily recognisable structure in the village of Bedhampton, which is part of the Havant area in Hampshire.
Belmont Castle supposedly started out as an estate of some 150 acres. A century later, it had been reduced to just over 100 acres. Some 4.5 acres formed the house and gardens of Belmont Castle. By 1908, 20 acres comprised paddocks, parkland, and gardens immediately surrounding Belmont House. The estate was broken up during the 1930s and developed for housing before and after the war. During the war, part of the estate was occupied by a Royal Navy transit camp. The royal Navy sold some of the permanent building to the Church of England that now forms Gwatkin Hall. The house was developed in the 1930s.
Over the years, Belmont Castle has had various uses and may have served as a residence, farmstead, or possibly a combination of both. Belmont Castle was established as a Residential Care Home in April 1986 and has remained so ever since. Over the years the surrounding areas have undergone urban development and, today, the house is situated within a friendly residential neighbourhood.
Surrounding Bedhampton and Havant
Havant
The area where Havant stands today has been inhabited since prehistoric times. Archaeological evidence suggests that the region was occupied during the Stone Age and the Bronze Age. Roman influence can also be traced in the area, with evidence of a Roman settlement and a Roman road passing through the town.
During the medieval period, Havant developed as a market town. Its location made it an important trading centre for goods and livestock. The town’s economy thrived, and it gained a reputation for its market and fairs.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Havant underwent significant industrial development. By the 20th century, Havant became closely associated with the nearby town of Portsmouth due to its proximity to the Royal Navy’s Portsmouth Naval Base.
Today, Havant remains a thriving town with a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. It has retained some of its historical charm, with several old buildings and landmarks still standing. The town continues to serve as a transportation hub with its railway station connecting it to London and other major cities.
Bedhampton
While Bedhampton is a suburb of the town of Havant, it is not a separate town in itself. The history of Bedhampton can be traced back many centuries – as far back as the Anglo-Saxon period. During the medieval period, Bedhampton was primarily an agricultural community surrounded by fields and farmland.
Bedhampton’s proximity to the town of Havant, which lies to the south, influenced its development. As Havant grew and expanded, Bedhampton became increasingly integrated into its urban area and, over time, it evolved from a primarily agricultural village to a suburban residential area.
In the 19th century, the opening of the Portsmouth and Havant railway line in 1847 brought further changes to Bedhampton. The railway provided improved transportation connections to nearby towns and cities, facilitating both commuting and trade.
During World War II, Bedhampton, like many areas in Hampshire, experienced the impact of the conflict. The village was subjected to bombing raids due to its proximity to the strategic naval base at Portsmouth. Some areas of Bedhampton suffered damage, but the village was later rebuilt and continued to develop in the post-war era. Luckily, Belmont House escaped the war relatively unscathed.
Today, Bedhampton retains its village-like charm while being closely connected to the larger urban areas nearby. It features a mix of older historic buildings such as Belmont Castle, as well as modern residential developments, and lovely green spaces.
In short, Bedhampton’s history as a rural settlement, its proximity to Havant, and its continued growth as a residential area contribute to its character as a small but thriving community within Hampshire. At Belmont Castle Care Home, we are proud to be a part of this.
We can provide care for the residents of our historic community with a variety of needs. Our specialist care services are suited for residential, dementia, and respite care. Our staff continually go the extra mile to make each resident feel at home and continue to live as independently as possible. We are flexible and can adapt to any needs you may have to ease the process of settling in.
If you or a loved one would like to book a visit to see first hand how we can care and support your requirements, simply contact us at your convenience, and we’ll take care of the rest.
