Petworth House History
Petworth House, located in West Sussex, has a rich history that dates back over 900 years. The current house, known for its grandeur and extensive art collection, evolved from earlier structures that have stood on the site since the medieval period.
Early History
Petworth's origins can be traced to the 12th century, when the land was owned by the de Merlay family. In 1150, Henry I granted the estate to his illegitimate son, William de Maltravers, but it was later passed through various noble families. In the late 12th century, the estate came under the ownership of the Percy family, one of the most powerful noble families in England.
You can find Petworth House on the National Trust website by following the link provided.
Tudor and Stuart Periods
In the early 16th century, Petworth became a more formal residence under the Percy family, who were closely linked with the monarchy. The house was significantly altered in the 17th century under the first Earl of Northumberland, also known as the "Wizard Earl" due to his interests in science and alchemy. However, Petworth House as it stands today owes much of its design and appearance to later renovations.
17th Century: Rebuilding by the Duke of Somerset
The most significant transformation of Petworth House came in the late 17th century, when it was substantially rebuilt by Charles Seymour, the 6th Duke of Somerset, after he inherited the estate through marriage. Seymour, often referred to as the "Proud Duke," reconstructed the house in the Baroque style, creating the grand façade that characterizes it today. The house became known for its opulent interiors and served as a grand symbol of the Seymour family's wealth and influence.
18th Century: The Influence of Capability Brown
In the 18th century, Petworth House and its surrounding landscape underwent significant changes under the guidance of the renowned landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown. Brown transformed the formal gardens into the naturalistic, sweeping parkland that still surrounds the house, complete with a large lake. This period also marked Petworth as a cultural hub, frequently visited by artists, intellectuals, and royalty.
The Wyndham Family and the Art Collection
In the 18th and 19th centuries, Petworth House became famous for its collection of fine art, particularly under the ownership of George Wyndham, the 3rd Earl of Egremont. He was a prominent patron of the arts, particularly known for his support of landscape painter J.M.W. Turner, who often stayed at the house. Today, Petworth houses one of the National Trust's finest art collections, featuring works by Turner, Van Dyck, Reynolds, and others.
Modern Era and the National Trust
In 1947, Petworth House was gifted to the National Trust by Edward Wyndham, the 4th Baron Leconfield, and it remains open to the public. The house retains its grandeur, showcasing its remarkable art collection and beautifully landscaped gardens. The adjoining Petworth Park, with its deer herd, continues to reflect the designs of Capability Brown and offers visitors a glimpse into England's aristocratic past.
Petworth House State Rooms
The State Rooms at Petworth House are a series of grand, opulent spaces that reflect the wealth, power, and cultural importance of the families who have owned the estate. Designed to impress, these rooms are home to one of the finest collections of art and furnishings in Britain, amassed over centuries by the Earls of Egremont and the Wyndham family. Visitors can explore rooms adorned with lavish interiors, including gilded ceilings, intricate tapestries, and fine furniture, showcasing a blend of Baroque and neoclassical styles.
The grandeur of the Carved Room, Marble Hall, and Red Room, among others, highlights the estate's architectural beauty and provides visitors with a glimpse into the life of aristocratic England, surrounded by masterpieces of art and craftsmanship.
The Carved Room
The Carved Room at Petworth House is celebrated for its extraordinary wood carvings, primarily the work of Grinling Gibbons, one of England's most famous woodcarvers from the late 17th century.
The room’s intricate carvings of flowers, birds, and foliage are a striking example of Gibbons' talent, adding a sense of lavish detail to the space. Originally a dining room, it was transformed into an art gallery during the 18th century under the 3rd Earl of Egremont, an avid art collector.
Today, the room also houses a remarkable collection of paintings, including works by Van Dyck, Gainsborough, and Reynolds, making it a focal point of Petworth House, blending fine art with exquisite craftsmanship.
The combination of Gibbons' elaborate carvings and the prestigious artworks makes the Carved Room a defining feature of the house, admired for both its beauty and historical significance.
The Marble Hall
The Marble Hall at Petworth House is a stunning example of neoclassical design, serving as one of the estate’s most impressive entrance halls. Built in the early 19th century, the hall is named for its striking black and white marble floor, laid out in a geometric pattern that creates a sense of grandeur and symmetry. The hall's design reflects classical influences, with tall windows that allow natural light to fill the space, highlighting its architectural elegance. The floor was the work of James Sayers said to be inspired by a pattern in CA d'Anvier's 'Cours complet d'Architecture'a popular pattern book of the 17th century.
The Marble Hall is not only a showcase of refined interior design but also a gallery of classical art. It houses an array of sculptures and busts, many of which were collected by the owners of Petworth during their Grand Tours across Europe. These classical works add to the room's air of sophistication and underline the house's long tradition as a home to one of Britain’s finest private art collections. The hall leads into other key areas of the house, including the North Gallery, and its majestic atmosphere sets the tone for the opulence visitors can expect throughout Petworth. The combination of its artistic, architectural, and historical significance makes the Marble Hall a focal point of Petworth House.
Petworth House Deer Park
Petworth Deer Park, located within the grounds of Petworth House in West Sussex, is a vast and historic parkland that spans over 700 acres. It is renowned for its beautiful natural landscapes and the herds of fallow deer that have roamed the park for centuries. Originally created in the 16th century, the park underwent significant redesign in the 18th century by the famous landscape architect Lancelot "Capability" Brown. Brown transformed it into the sweeping, naturalistic park that visitors see today, removing formal gardens and incorporating rolling hills, lakes, and woodlands into the design.
The park is home to a variety of wildlife, but its most famous inhabitants are the fallow deer, which have been a part of the estate for hundreds of years. Visitors can often spot the deer grazing in the meadows or resting under ancient oak trees. The artificial lake, designed by Brown, adds to the picturesque views, and from certain vantage points, visitors can enjoy stunning views of both the park and the surrounding Sussex countryside.
Today, Petworth Deer Park is managed by the National Trust, and it remains open to the public for walking, picnicking, and wildlife watching. Its combination of natural beauty, historic design, and wildlife makes it a key part of the Petworth estate and a favorite spot for visitors exploring the area.
