Costs: £37.40 pp or £26pp if National Trust Member
| Event type: | Outing |
| Date: | 19th September 2023 |
Early History
Ickworth’s origins can be traced back to the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was recorded as a settlement of 16 households belonging to the Abbey of Bury St Edmunds. Nearly 200 years later, in 1254, the Crown granted Thomas de Ickworth land here to create a deer park. It’s also thought that he might have been responsible for founding the 13th-century church, sections of which form part of the existing St Mary’s Church.
The House
The house you see today is the vision of the 4th Earl of Bristol, known as the Earl Bishop. He was descended from a rather eccentric family. His father John, Lord Hervey, third son of the 1st Earl of Bristol, was a notorious and prominent figure at George II’s Court. His mother was the beautiful Mary 'Molly' Lepel, a former lady-in-waiting to Queen Caroline. The Earl Bishop had spent his life travelling in Europe, and had secured a vast collection of art and treasures. Started in 1795, Ickworth House was to be the home of this extensive stash, with the Earl Bishop hoping to create a gallery that would enlighten and educate receptive minds. Sadly, the Earl Bishop’s collection was confiscated by Napoleonic troops in 1798 and he spent the remainder of his days trying to recover his losses.
Ickworth House was still just a shell when he died in 1803. After the Earl Bishop’s death, his son Frederick, the 5th Earl (later the 1st Marquess), took over the building project, eventually moving his family into the completed house in 1829. Frederick changed the original concept of a magnificent central house with two wings, preferring to make the East Wing the family home and the central Rotunda a gallery and entertaining space to impress visitors. The West Wing was simply built for symmetry, and remained empty, occasionally being used for storage until 2003. In 1956, the 4th Marquess presented the house and estate to the Treasury in lieu of death duties. The Treasury passed Ickworth to the National Trust, and now it belongs to everyone. Ickworth has continued to evolve in exciting new ways. In 2002, the East Wing was opened as a luxury hotel. The West Wing (previously empty) was completed in 2005 and houses a visitor centre, restaurant, shop and function rooms.
The Gardens
The Italianate garden encircles the Rotunda; a mix of classical Italy and a touch of drama with a gothic-style stumpery. The Stumpery was created by the garden team and adds a dash of Victorian mystery to the present day. The stumps belonged to trees that were uprooted during the Second World War and their gnarled roots nestle amongst the ferns and provide a shady spot that’s a perfect habitat for wildlife. In the Temple Garden, with its classical summerhouse and Mediterranean-style planting, you'll find a refreshing 21st-century spin on Ickworth’s Italianate theme. You will also find lawns that stretch from border to border and shrubs in muted colours set the tone.
Refreshments
Shopping Stop by the West Wing or Porters Lodge cafés and grab a hot drink and a light snack to fuel your visit exploring the estate. The West Wing also offers a variety of light-bites, cakes and drinks, as does the Porters Lodge which offers outdoor seating.
Shopping
Stop by the West Wing or Porters Lodge cafés and grab a hot drink and a light snack to fuel your visit exploring the estate. The West Wing also offers a variety of light-bites, cakes and drinks, as does the Porters Lodge which offers outdoor seating. From locally sourced food and treats, to books, rugs and home accessories, you’re sure to find inspiration in the shop. Select from colourful scarves and throws to delicious gins and jams, there's plenty to suit all tastes. There's a great selection of books and a Plant Centre.
Accessibility
There are steps and uneven terrain in the Italianate Garden and steps into the house and basement. There is a lift to all levels in the Rotunda and West Wing and ramped access. Wheelchair and mobility vehicle hire available (restricted access for vehicles in the Rotunda and West Wing). Please let us know if you would like to reserve a mobility scooter. There are also accessible toilets.
Additional Information
The cost includes a 45 minute guided tour of the Italianate Garden, for this we will be divided into two groups, at 12 noon and the other at 1.15pm. We aim to arrive around 11.30am and we will start our return journey at 4pm, arriving back in Kenilworth around 6.30pm.