Wentworth Woodhouse, a hidden gem in Yorkshire, holds the title of being the largest house in England. Additionally, it boasts the longest facade of any house in Europe, making it a truly remarkable stately home.
It's understandable if you are not familiar with this massive structure, as it has been largely forgotten and neglected until recently. Wentworth Woodhouse, once just another neglected Stately Home, is now receiving the recognition it deserves. Continue reading to learn more about one of the UK's most remarkable historic buildings and how a forward-thinking Charitable Trust is revitalising this significant piece of history.
Located on the outskirts of Rotherham in South Yorkshire, Wentworth Woodhouse is a remarkable sight. The immense size and grandeur of the estate are truly remarkable, and seeing it for the first time is an unforgettable experience. The architecture is also remarkable, with the Baroque west front and the Palladian East front creating the impression of two distinct houses joined together. However, Wentworth actually consists of three houses, with the original 17th-century structure at its heart, once the residence of the Earls of Strafford.
The history of Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse's history goes back long before the 17th century. The village of Wentworth was already established by 1066, and the Wentworth family started acquiring land through marriage to the Woodhouse family around 1300. This union brought numerous advantages, leading the Wentworths to significantly expand their estates and become a prominent landowning family. While a large medieval house likely existed before the 17th century, construction of the new grand house had begun by 1630, signaling the Wentworths' prosperity.
The Earls of Strafford
The Jacobean residence was built by Thomas Wentworth, the Member of Parliament for Yorkshire, who had previously held the position of Lord Deputy of Ireland. In 1640, he was granted the titles of Baron Raby and 1st Earl of Stafford. Despite his achievements, Wentworth had numerous adversaries, notably within Parliament. His demise occurred in 1641 when, under pressure from his political rivals, King Charles I reluctantly approved his execution. Wentworth was put to death that same year, a tragic event that did little to avert the impending civil war.
In 1695, another tragedy struck when the second Earl passed away without any children. This led to the extinction of the Earldom, and the vast Wentworth estate was unexpectedly inherited by the Earl’s nephew, Thomas Watson, much to the surprise of the Earl’s cousin and expected heir, Thomas Wentworth. Subsequently, a bitter feud erupted between Watson and Wentworth, prompting Wentworth to acquire Stainborough Hall in 1708 and establish the rival Wentworth Castle Estate. Wentworth also successfully revived the Earldom of Strafford, becoming the 1st Earl Strafford (second creation) in 1711.
The first great Palladian house
Thomas Watson had to change the family name to Watson-Wentworth as part of his inheritance. Although he did not achieve any significant titles himself, his son, also named Thomas, became Marquis of Rockingham after inheriting the estate in 1723. As a prominent Whig MP, the Marquis needed a new residence befitting his elevated status. Construction on the new Baroque styled West front began in 1725, incorporating some elements of the old house. However, before its completion, the Baroque style had gone out of fashion. Inspired by the progress of his rivals at Wentworth Castle, the Marquis started the ambitious construction of the Palladian East front in 1735.
When Charles, the second Marquis of Rockingham, inherited his father's estates in 1750, the East front was still unfinished. It took another decade for him to witness the realization of his father's vision, resulting in the construction of one of the earliest grand Palladian houses in the UK.
Charles Watson-Wentworth, renowned for his two terms as Prime Minister, was also famously passionate about horse racing. Credited with the addition of two porticos to the East front of the house, Charles's passion for horse racing and hunting was evident in the expansive stable complex he had built in 1766. Upon his death in 1782, the estates were passed on to his nephew, the 4th Earl Fitzwilliam, who kept the property within the Fitzwilliam family until its sale in 1989.
Regrettably, at this juncture, the magnificent estate at Wentworth was undergoing a significant period of deterioration. This was primarily a result of the government's choice post-Second World War to allow 40 years of open-cast coal mining at Wentworth Woodhouse, and the subsequent nationalisation of the mines – a major source of revenue for the Fitzwilliams – had severe financial repercussions for the family. Consequently, by 1950, a substantial portion of the estate and its surroundings was utilised by an educational institution, a situation that persisted until 1986, when the polytechnic relocated to Sheffield.
Inside Wentworth Woodhouse
Wentworth Woodhouse was acquired as a private residence in 1989 and then again in 1998. Managing a grand historic house like Wentworth Woodhouse must have been an enormous challenge. It is evident that both private purchasers had taken on more than they could handle. However, in 2017, the house's future was ultimately safeguarded when it was transferred back to the public through its purchase by the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust.
A new lease of life for Wentworth Woodhouse
Currently, the house and grounds are in the midst of being invested in and restored. This project is expected to be long-term, but it is a relief that the public can now visit this historic estate. This achievement is especially noteworthy considering the challenges posed by the global COVID pandemic. Wentworth is still a project under development, but it is evident that the Trust is making exceptional efforts to revive this culturally important heritage site.
Exploring the Opulent Interiors of the Historic Mansion
Speaking of the interiors, they rival even the most luxurious royal palaces. While not all areas of the house are currently open to visitors, the grandeur of the place is immediately evident upon entering the Pillared Hall. This remarkable space showcases a variety of Neoclassical statues and leads to the stunning main staircase, which was commissioned by the 4th Earl in 1801 and designed by the prominent architect of the era, John Carr. Other rooms accessible on the ground floor include the Ship Room, The Painted Drawing Room, and the Chapel. Additionally, visitors can explore a modern-day shop and a delightful tea room on the ground floor.
Upon ascending the grand neoclassical staircase to the first floor, visitors will be truly amazed by what awaits them. While those familiar with my documentary on Castle Howard may be aware of my admiration for its Great Hall, stepping into the Marble Saloon at Wentworth Woodhouse offers an unparalleled experience. Viewers with keen eyes may recognise this as the setting for the ball scene in the Downton Abbey Movie, yet this expansive area must truly be witnessed in person to be fully appreciated. The Marble Saloon is truly magnificent and deserving of its reputation as ‘England’s finest Georgian room’.
Up to now, a significant portion of the house's renovation has been dedicated to fixing the roof. Before these repairs were carried out, water ingress had led to extensive interior damage, including the Marble Saloon. However, with a substantial completion of the external repairs, efforts are now being made to rectify some of the resulting destruction.
Preserving the Legacy: Ensuring the Future of Wentworth Woodhouse
To avoid giving away too much of the visitor experience, it is highly recommended that you visit the place yourself. Among the other rooms available for exploration are the Whistlejacket Room, adorned with intricate gilding, the State Dining Room painted in a classic Georgian Green, and the Pine panelled Boudoir featuring a graceful marble chimney-piece. Additionally, the Long Gallery, filled with natural light, is worth mentioning. It is believed to have been a section of the original Jacobean house and has recently been renovated.
I am eagerly looking forward to the chance to further explore more of the house as it opens up in the future. The rooms currently open to visitors are undergoing beautiful restoration, showcasing the dedication and passion of everyone involved.
The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust is committed to a 20-year plan detailed in its Masterplan titled 'A New Life'. Central to this vision is the improvement of different areas of the estate. A significant achievement has been the transformation of the impressive Camellia House into a unique restaurant, with current focus shifting to the extensive stable block.
The Trust has accomplished something truly extraordinary in a brief timespan, and I am eagerly anticipating what lies ahead. Until recently, this significant historical site was in danger of being lost forever. Thanks to the Preservation Trust's vision and the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in its restoration, the future of the UK's largest historic home appears promising.
Get involved
I strongly recommend visiting Wentworth Woodhouse if you haven't done so yet. You will not be let down. For more information about Wentworth Woodhouse and the ongoing work, please visit Wentworthwoodhouse.org.uk.
By supporting the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, you are enabling the ongoing restoration of this remarkable piece of British history and guaranteeing its accessibility for future generations.
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I appreciate you taking the time to visit!
As a child I used to play in Wentworth Park, my Mom and Dad used to take my sister and myself there for picnics and we would try and spot the deers herds. Later in life I attended a black tie event in the Hall itself and it is a fantastic structure well worth a visit.
Semi-literate but certainly interesting.