Beaconsfield House
Once a prominent landmark along Grand Parade Tynemouth, Northumberland

Brief history of John Henry Burn Esq and Beaconsfield House

Built around 1882 for John Henry Burn Esq; a wealthy coal merchant. John inherited wealth from his father David, who had made his fortune as an iron founder in the City of Newcastle upon Tyne. The 1881 census showes John staying at a London hotel, he is 53 years old, also born in Newcastle and describes himself as a Magistrate and Land owner. His wife, Annie Catherine, was then 52, born Tynemouth.

In Netherwitton church there are two stained glass windows commissioned by the family. The first is in memory of Barbara Burn who died 1842 ...'erected by her affectionate son John Henry Burn of Beaconsfield, Cullercoats'. The second is in memory of John himself, by his wife Catharine.

The property comprised of a basement, Drawing Room, Dinning Room a Library, Billiard Room, eight bedrooms, a feature staircase two indoor W.C.s two Bathrooms and a further three rooms for the servants (see plans below). Between 1924 and 1946 Beaconsfield was owned by my Great Great Grandfather Robert Thornton Bolt Esq. a Provisions Importer.

In January 1946 the local council gave Barnardo's just 24 hours notice to occupy the house or lose it after two other local homes were destroyed during the war. The house and grounds covered an area of 1 acre 3 roods and could accommodate up to 40 boys. The home closed on 1 September 1953 after Tynemouth Council bought the house under a compulsory purchase order. In 1956 the concil took the decision to demolish the house and work was completed early in 1957.

To see a larger image click on the small thumbnail images

First floor and second floor plan
showing servants quarters

Ground floor plan
and proposed driveway

Side elevation including plan
of Basement or Boot Room