Northington Grange is a grand country house, which is an important example of Greek Revival architecture.
Brief History
Sir Robert Henley (about 1624–92), a wealthy politician, bought an estate and modest country house known as The Grange in 1662. Three years later, he commissioned the architect William Samwell to build a new impressive residence to replace the house. This residence was drastically transformed from 1809, when the architect William Wilkins – an expert on ancient Greek architecture – rendered the exterior to give it the appearance of a Greek temple. The earlier 17th-century brick house survives underneath the later neoclassical frontages.
Wilkins had been commissioned by Henry Drummond (1786–1860), then owner of the house, who wanted something sensational in the latest neoclassical taste. But he disliked the result and sold the estate in 1817 to his neighbour Alexander Baring, whose family continued to alter and embellish the house throughout the 19th century. After neglect and the threat of total demolition, the house was taken into guardianship in 1975.
My second report so be nice. New to all this. Photos taken on my Iphone. Will be investing in a decent camera in the near future:) Thanks for looking
Brief History
Sir Robert Henley (about 1624–92), a wealthy politician, bought an estate and modest country house known as The Grange in 1662. Three years later, he commissioned the architect William Samwell to build a new impressive residence to replace the house. This residence was drastically transformed from 1809, when the architect William Wilkins – an expert on ancient Greek architecture – rendered the exterior to give it the appearance of a Greek temple. The earlier 17th-century brick house survives underneath the later neoclassical frontages.
Wilkins had been commissioned by Henry Drummond (1786–1860), then owner of the house, who wanted something sensational in the latest neoclassical taste. But he disliked the result and sold the estate in 1817 to his neighbour Alexander Baring, whose family continued to alter and embellish the house throughout the 19th century. After neglect and the threat of total demolition, the house was taken into guardianship in 1975.
My second report so be nice. New to all this. Photos taken on my Iphone. Will be investing in a decent camera in the near future:) Thanks for looking
