 Bowood House
When the 1st Earl of Shelburne purchased Bowood Park in 1754,
he commissioned the architect, Henry Keene, to complete the unfinished
early Georgian house on the estate. This house was originally begun
in 1725 for the Bridgeman family, and replaced an old hunting lodge.
By 1760 the large house had been completed in a grand style, and a
separate service wing had been built behind the main house. Robert Adam further improved
the house, and built the magnificent façade that forms the main part
of today's Bowood House.
The service wing and the 'big house' eventually became united with the
addition of a huge drawing room but, in 1805 at the death of the 1st
Marquess of Lansdowne, Bowood House was deserted for a number of years. During
the early 1820s C R Cockerell was responsible for major restoration works
at Bowood House, and for the addition of a chapel. External improvements were
also carried out, and by the mid 19th century the park had
an impressive set of 'golden gates', and the mansion was surrounded
by beautiful pleasure grounds and terraced gardens. As the family fortunes
dwindled, the main house was used only for entertaining, the service wing
(or 'little house') providing the living accommodation for
the family.
After the
Second World War the 'big' house was left in such a terrible state of disrepair
that the only sensible solution was to demolish it. In 1955 the 8th Marquess
took that decision and, at the same time, had the 'little' house converted
to a comfortable residence, using many of the decorative features
from the big house. Today's visitors enter Bowood House through the splendid
Adams' Orangery, now transformed into a fine gallery displaying
sculpture and paintings. The other 18th century rooms open to the public
include the chapel, the library, and the small working laboratory of Dr
Joseph Priestley.
A set of themed Exhibition Rooms, converted by Lord Shelburne in 1980 from the derelict stables,
show interesting collections of family heirlooms, porcelain, watercolour
paintings, Indian and Napoleonic treasures, and jewellery. In addition
to these, a new sculpture gallery was also created to exhibit some
important classical pieces, and a trio of early Flemish tapestries. The overall
effect is that of a living museum, taking visitors through the ages
from the elegant Georgian era to the extravagance of the Indian Raj.
A similar, and delightfully colourful, experience can be found in
the amazing gardens of Bowood House. From the formal terraces to the extensive
landscaped park, some 2,000 acres visualised by 'Capability' Brown,
there is plenty to catch the eye and the imagination. For the younger
visitors there is a well-equipped Adventure Playground hidden
in the Pleasure Grounds.
Bowood House is certainly one of those 'little gems'. First impressions of
a modest house are soon dispelled as the family history and treasures
begin to reveal themselves, and the vast estate is a sheer delight. This is
very much a place of interest for the whole family and, being located
in the heart of Wiltshire, the scenery is spectacular. |
