Apethorpe Palace, Apethorpe, Northamptonshire

A country house, which is of particular importance because it incorporates so many architectural styles from over a long time period. It was possibly built around 1460. It was originally a hall with cross wings but now forms a double courtyard plan in a mixture of Elizabethan, Jacobean and Palladian styles. The building is constructed of limestone ashlar with Collyweston (i.e. Lincolnshire limestone) slate and lead roofs. The palace was owned by the Earls of Westmoreland and was used to entertain James I in the 1620s. It is set in a landscape of parkland/formal gardens. The property passed into the care of English Heritage in 2004. It has recently (2021) been sold to a private individual. The sale guarantees public access for the next 80 years.

Location

Northamptonshire Oundle

Period

Tudor (1485 - 1602)

Tags

english heritage country house tourism