William Lott was born in this house in 1761. The house was owned by his parents and his siblings were all born in the house too. William lived in the house until his death in 1849. Not only had he lived there all his life, it’s thought that he’d only been away from his home for just a few days in his entire 88 year life.

He wasn’t famous or rich. He wasn’t a great inventor, artist or scholar. In fact, he couldn’t read or write.

Yet his home is now owned by the National Trust and attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Why? Well, the house is gorgeous of course, and a fine piece of English rural history … but doesn’t it look familiar to you? Don’t you get the feeling that you’ve seen that building before?

Well, the chances are that you have. Probably not in a photograph though. It may be that you have seen it on a painting or even (sadly) a jigsaw puzzle or (distressingly) a chocolate box. Here is the house as it was painted in 1821.

Yes of course, Willie Lott’s Cottage is the building made famous throughout the world when John Constable painted it in the Haywain. Amazingly, the building still stands. Like so many historic buildings the property fell into disrepair in the early part of the twentieth century but has now been taken under the wing and watchful eye of the National Trust.

The area is easy to reach from London. The drive will take you about 1 – 1½ hours depending on the route you choose and the traffic on that day. There is also a good rail service to Colchester. A budget option is the regular bus service.

WHERE IS WILLIE LOTT’S HOUSE?

Willie Lott's House

Unnamed Road,
East Bergholt,
Colchester CO7 6UL,
UK

ARTICLE BY:

Jackie

Jackie

JJ is originally from the UK and has lived in South Florida since 1994. She is the founder and editor of JAQUO Magazine. You can connect with her using the social media icons below.

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