The Whitmore-Jones's

John Henry Whitmore-Jones inherited Chastleton in 1828

Arthur Jones II was the last direct descendant of Walter Jones, the builder, and on his death in 1828, the house passed sideways for the first time, to a distant cousin descended from Sir William Whitmore.

John Henry Whitmore-Jones grew up on the family estate of Dudmaston in Shropshire, now owned by the National Trust. He was a younger son from a second marriage, and would have had no expectation of inheriting. 

He came to Chastleton in 1815 to learn about the estate as heir. By the time he inherited in 1828, aged 33, he was married to Dorothy Clutton, with a young family and had changed his name to John Henry Whitmore-Jones.

Dorothy Whitmore-Jone
Dorothy Whitmore-Jone
Dorothy Whitmore-Jone

Both John and Dorothy kept diaries and these reveal much about family life.

Whitmore-Jones diary entry
Whitmore-Jones diary entry
Whitmore-Jones diary entry

'I cannot relate the smallest adventure, for today i've played with the children, sat with my feet on the fender and made patchwork' Diary entry by John Henry, 26 January 1833

John was involved in politics, particularly with the Tory party, and were all passionate about music. John was a keen antiquarian and bought items to decorate the house.

John Henry Whitmore-Jones inherited Chastleton in 1828
John Henry Whitmore-Jones inherited Chastleton in 1828
John Henry Whitmore-Jones inherited Chastleton in 1828

'Rode to Broughton Castle, the sale was nearly over when i got there, very few people and everything went low. Purchased a fine piece of tapestry and 3 lots of old armour from Emanuel of Bance St for £10' Diary entry by John Henry, 4 July 1837

He also made improvements to the house such as replacing the east staircase, adding water closets, putting a new range in the kitchen, replacing the ceiling in the great parlour and varnishing areas of wood, including the screen in the great hall.

The estate continued to struggle financially and the 1840s the family moved to Devon with the intention of renting out Chastleton. They were unsuccessful and returned in 1849.