History of English Country Houses

The rich heritage of English country houses stretches back for more than eight centuries. From twelfth century castles to the country houses of the Tudor and Jacobean eras, and on to the classical-style seventeenth century houses and grand Georgian mansions.

Landed estates were historically sources of power and status, and a route to influence or public office. Many grand mansions from the Tudor age to the twentieth century were built to establish a dynasty, to sustain a family legacy for future generations to come. The history of the family has an important role to play in tracing the story of a country house and considering its heritage.

Many country houses contain a wealth of period features from different stages throughout their history. As estates have passed down through families, each succeeding generation sought to implant their own ideas, influenced by contemporary styles and ideas. Consequently, this has often resulted in substantial alterations to the original architecture and design of the country house.

To fully appreciate a country house is to probe into many centuries of history and architectural developments, shaped by our national cultural heritage as a whole. The typical country house should not be seen as belonging to a specific period or time, but as a living testament to our rich and varied history.

English Country Houses

Although many English country houses have been transformed by succeeding generations of owners and architects, England has the advantage over other European countries in that so much of out history has remained intact and relatively undisturbed by major wars, revolutions and changes in the law. Inheritance laws in other countries have broken up traditional family lines of descent, whereas in England the custom of passing ownership to the eldest son has continued for centuries.

This has made the English country house such a valuable asset to the British cultural heritage.
The country house brings to life the essence and grandeur of the past, revealing the legacy of how politics, art and craftsmanship have come together to shape our national heritage.