At the beginning of the twentieth century Sir Clifford Cory—a coal magnate—bought the property. He made several adaptations and alterations. During excavations to install central heating several remains of human bones were found. A coffin lid, dated 1180, -presumed to be the tomb of a benefactor, was also found. That boiler house is adjacent to what we now call the Garth—the main courtyard area. It may well be the site of the original Cloister Garth since building works in the early 1980’s in this same spot, uncovered stone pillars as well as human remains many centuries old.

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Sir Clifford Cory was wealthy and entertained in great style. There are various memoirs of visits by fashionable people of the time while the local Sunday School children came on picnics. Sir Clifford Cory’s daughter sold the property on the death of her father. She was somewhat impoverished after the ravages of the First World War and the Great Depression. The building was used as an American Air Force storage depot during the Second World War, during which time it became quite dilapidated. This is where the Sisters of St Joseph of Annecy came on the scene.

In addition to adding central heating, Sir Clifford Cory also added marble lined bathrooms, some of which have stood the test of time and are in use today!  He also made various changes in the grounds for example adding a Polo field. In his day the Conservatory was still in use, although this had to be demolished in the 1950’s as it was unsafe. The present Chapel is on that site.

Detail: Coffin Lid