Boston is ever-changing and while change can be good, there have been some major architectural losses. This trend of redevelopment is not new however, as this single site on Beacon Street has seen two major losses, all before 1918! This lot on Beacon Street was originally home to Hancock Manor, a landmark Georgian mansion built between 1734-1737 for the wealthy merchant Thomas Hancock (1703–1764), and later inherited and occupied as the home of United States Founding Father John Hancock, yes, that John Hancock. In 1863, the Hancock Manor was sold at public auction and was purchased for $230. The house was demolished within days. While the building was torn down, souvenirs of it were actively sought as it fell. To replace it, two of the finest homes ever built in Boston were constructed on the site, from plans by elite Boston architect, Gridley James Fox Bryant. The double Second Empire style homes were first occupied by wealthy merchants, James Madison Beebe (the house on the left) and Gardner Brewer (right). In 1916, plans for the extension of the Massachusetts State House necessitated a taking of these (and other nearby) properties. These two houses were razed by 1917.
I wonder if the Hancock Manor would have survived to this time, would preservation prevail to save it?
Buildings of New England 
Hi, it’s me again, with a friendly heads-up. You may want to look again at the dates for the erection of Hancock Manor – I think you may be off.
Do you know of any images of Hancock Manor? It’s a crime that it’s gone, but it would be doubly so if there are no images of it.
I see these images you post and wonder what they looked like inside.
I hope this finds you well,
John.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, I fixed it to the right century! The posts should link a site in-line which has some photos of the original house. It was stunning.
LikeLike