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Longleat is an English stately home with a difference.
Despite its distinguished history, Longleat was the first
stately home to open it's doors to the public, and now the
estate and its attractions are one of the most popular family
days out in the south of England.
What happened here?
After Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries in 1539,
the former medieval priory of the Black Canons and
all its grounds were purchased by Sir John Thynne.
When the priory burned down in 1567, Thynne, who had been
knighted in 1547, wanted to build a house that was a fitting
seat for his newly titled family. The house he built was unusual
for 16th century architecture, as it reflected the new Italian-style
and looked out towards the magnificent grounds rather than
in towards the courtyard. It has retained the same exterior
appearance since Sir John's death in 1580.
In the 18th century, renowned landscape gardener Capability
Brown set to work laying out the gardens, orangery and
terraces. His extravagant genius is still evident in the gardens
today.
As working class culture boomed in the 1960s, the fortunes
of England's upper classes began to wane. Maintenance costs
were sky-high and the nobility had to find new ways to fund
their extravagant lifestyles. The sixth Marques of Bath
came up with the answer: he installed a number of new attractions
on the grounds and for a small fee welcomed the public into
his historic home.
His Lordship, the 7th Marques of Bath still lives at Longleat.
He traces his family history back as far as Tassipus, the
Roman historian, Charlemagne, and William the Conqueror. The
Marques is an eccentric fellow who has decorated his private
apartments with a series of flamboyant murals.
What's there to see & do?
- Apart from the magnificent house, there's a host of attractions
in the grounds of Longleat which are open throughout the year.
You should allow an entire day to see everything on offer.
The Lions of Longleat in the safari park are world
famous, and there's also a pet's corner, the butterfly garden
and the maze. For fans of the cult TV series, there's an excellent
Dr Who exhibition.
- There are regular special events held at Longleat and you
can also arrange private functions and weddings on the estate.
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