Historic Houses
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
The historic houses of Britain are amongst the finest in the world and were often built as the result of great wealth acquired from mining (such as Cornish copper in the seventeenth century), sheep farming and even the notorious harsh mills in the North of England. By definition a historic house can be a stately home, a castle, the birthplace of a famous person, or a property with an interesting history. Houses were first thought of as historic during the nineteenth century when government protection was given.
They are, however, sometimes distinguished from true castles, since they were built at a later date and put up purely as residences and not as fortified strongholds. As far back as the early twentieth century these great houses and stately homes were grand places lived in by the rich or landed gentry. These houses were often built as status symbols for the great families of England who competed with each other to provide hospitality for members of the Royal Household.
They were viewed from afar by the rest of the population with little hope of them ever seeing in through the front doors, let alone having the opportunity to wine and dine there. However in these modern times things have changed considerably and now most of the historic houses in Britain are open to the public, giving visitors from all corners of the earth a chance to see for themselves how the privileged once lived in the grand style, and, in a few cases, still do.
A stately home is, strictly speaking, one of several hundred large properties built in England between the mid-16th century and the early part of the 20th century, as well as converted abbeys and other church property (after the Dissolution of the Monasteries). They were often designed by famous architects and landscape architects and such notable figures as Robert Adam, Sir Charles Barry, Sir Edwin Lutyens, Sir John Vanbrugh, Capability Brown and Humphrey Repton were employed to incorporate new styles into the buildings.
While great art and furniture collections were built up and displayed in the houses, two world wars gradually changed the fortunes of many houses and their owners, and now there remains an eclectic mix of living museums, part-ruined houses and castles, and grand family estates. Many stately homes are now owned or managed by private individuals or by trusts. The costs of maintaining these magnificent houses, castles with their huge gardens and grounds, is astronomical and invariably rising faster for many than the mere income acquired from visitors at the gate. Therefore financially desperate owners rent out their homes for use as film and television sets, corporate event venues, weddings and company conferences.
The grounds also often contain other tourist attractions, such as safari parks, funfairs or museums and most historic houses and castles now offer special events such as concerts, festivals, historic re-enactments and charitable events. Some even offer splendid accommodation on a par with the highest standards of a luxury 5 Star hotel, but with the added personal touch. Since Britain’s historic houses and castles often still contain art and other treasures that have disappeared from their counterparts elsewhere in Europe they attract many visitors from abroad who say that historic castles and houses are their main reason for visiting the UK.
Quite a few of these historic houses are still family homes and therefore only open afternoons and in addition a good many places are closed in the winter months, so it is sensible if you are making a special journey to telephone the establishment to confirm opening hours as these do change especially if there is a special event on.
Societies & Associations
|
British Historic Houses & Castles
|
||||||
Hiring a Historic Venue
|
Historic Buildings on Video
|
