Castle Howard: North Yorkshire UK
An English Country Estate Featuring a Mansion and Acres of Gardens
Sep 17, 2007
History of Castle Howard
The Howard family took possession of the land in 1577 when Lord William Howard married Elizabeth Dacre who received the property as part of an inheritance. The estate was called Henderskelfe. Construction of the castle began in 1699. For the next three years, ongoing building modifications occurred while construction was taking place.
It is said that it took 100 years for the completion of Castle Howard. Tragedy struck in 1940 when fire broke out and destroyed the Great Hall and the Southeast Wing. They were eventually restored but not immediately.
Part of the castle is the private residence of Hon. Simon Howard and his family. Castle Howard has been the location of many movies including the award-winning series Brideshead Revisted.
Inside Castle Howard
As visitors move from room to room, they can view the Howard family art collection which was established in the early 1700s.Successive generations traveled to Europe to seek out paintings, sculptures, tapestries and objects made of porcelain, marble or china. Local artists painted murals in some of the rooms.
Many paintings came from Italy. Some of the most impressive pictures are that of the Italian Old Masters and the Orleans Collection. There is an extensive porcelain collection of over 300 pieces. The 18th century Crown Derby dessert collection was hand painted at the Derby factory.
Sculptures, busts and objects made of marble adorn the hallways and Great Hall. Most of these items were acquired in Italy during the 2nd quarter of the 18th century. Marble was also used for decorating table tops and for decorative columns.
The Grounds at Castle Howard
There are 1000 acres of gardens at Castle Howard.The Walled Garden contains the Rose Gardens, Ornamental Vegetable Garden.The South Parterre is a formal garden set amidst the Atlas Fountain. Ray Wood is at the east end of the castle where there are winding paths leading to the lost Temple of Venus and the Temple of the Four Winds.
Located throughout the grounds are fountains, statues and monuments. Some of the more prominent buildings are the Pyramid, the Earl’s Monument, the Obelisk and the Mausoleum. As visitors take the road leading up to Castle Howard, they will pass through the Gatehouse flanked by the Mock Fortifications and The Carrmire Gate.
Approximately 6000 acres are set aside for farming. The Castle Howard Estate administers the rental of land to tenant farmers and is proactive in wildlife preservation.
Castle Howard Visitor Information
Tickets can be purchased for the Gardens only or for both the House and Gardens.
House : Open daily at 11.00am from 1st March to 4th November and between 24th November and 16th December 2007 for Christmas. Last admission to the House is at 4.00pm.
Gardens : Open daily at 10.00am all year (except Christmas Day). Last admission to the Gardens is at 4.30pm.
Farm Shop, Gift Shops, Cafes and Plant Centre : open daily (free admission) 10.00am to 5.00pm all year (except Christmas and New Year Bank Holidays).
Events and exhibitions are held year round and the calendar is posted at the Castle Howard website. Several hospitality rooms are available for gatherings, parties or venues.
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