Fonthill Abbey

British  

/ ˈfɒnthɪl /

noun

1. a ruined Gothic Revival mansion in Wiltshire: rebuilt (1790–1810) for William Beckford by James Wyatt; the main tower collapsed in 1800 and, after rebuilding, again in 1827

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Example Sentences

He then began building Fonthill Abbey, shrouding his proceedings in the greatest mystery and surrounding his estate with a wall twelve feet high and seven miles long, guarded by chevaux-de-frise to keep out intruders.

From England, Picturesque and Descriptive A Reminiscence of Foreign Travel by Cook, Joel

His magnificent retreat at Cintra in Portugal, his vast Fonthill Abbey and Lansdowne Hill estates in England, were only appanages of his sumptuous state.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 4 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

This residence has been enriched with the choicest treasures from Wanstead House, and Fonthill Abbey.

From Young Americans Abroad Vacation in Europe: Travels in England, France, Holland, Belgium, Prussia and Switzerland by Choules, J.O.

When the magnificent pile of buildings called Fonthill Abbey was exhibited to the public, before the sale of its curious and costly furniture, it contained an amber cabinet, as beautiful in workmanship as material.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 419 Volume 17, New Series, January 10, 1852 by Chambers, William

So infinite is the variety of Vathek in scenery and in temper that it seems like its wealthy, eccentric, author secluded in Fonthill Abbey, to dwell apart in defiant, splendid isolation.

From The Tale of Terror A Study of the Gothic Romance by Birkhead, Edith