Althorp

Althorp
Andrew Walker (walker44) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · source
Name	Althorp
Caption	The south front of Althorp House
Location	Northamptonshire, England
Built	1508; rebuilt 1688–1692
Architect	Henry Holland (remodelling)
Owner	Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer
Designation	Grade I listed building

Althorp. A historic country house and estate in Northamptonshire, England, renowned as the ancestral seat of the Spencer family for over five centuries. The estate is internationally known as the childhood home and final resting place of Diana, Princess of Wales. The house, a Grade I listed building, is celebrated for its significant art collection, architectural evolution, and extensive landscaped parkland.

History

The estate's history began in 1508 when John Spencer purchased the land, with the original house constructed shortly thereafter. The property was substantially rebuilt between 1688 and 1692 for Robert Spencer, 2nd Earl of Sunderland, transforming it from a Tudor manor into a classical William and Mary mansion. In the late 18th century, the house was remodelled by the architect Henry Holland for George, 2nd Earl Spencer, who also employed Capability Brown to redesign the park. Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, successive earls made further alterations, with the estate playing host to numerous notable figures, including King Charles I and Sir Winston Churchill. The 20th century saw careful restoration under John, 8th Earl Spencer, and it remains under the stewardship of the 9th Earl Spencer.

Architecture and grounds

The present structure is a rectangular, red-brick house with stone dressings, presenting a dignified classical facade. The interior was dramatically altered by Henry Holland, who created the grand Picture Gallery and the iconic Wootton Hall, named for the painter John Wootton. The surrounding parkland, covering over 13,000 acres, was famously landscaped by Capability Brown, who created the serpentine lake and planted extensive stands of trees. Notable features within the grounds include the Ice House, a Doric Temple, and the Church of St. Mary the Virgin, which contains memorials to the Spencer family. The Round Oval, a tree-lined path, leads to the Lake and the Island which serves as the private burial place of Diana, Princess of Wales.

Art collection

Althorp houses one of Europe's most significant private art collections, assembled over generations. The collection is particularly strong in portrait painting, featuring works by Anthony van Dyck, including his famed portrait of Charles I. Other Old Master highlights include paintings by Peter Paul Rubens, Frans Hals, and Joshua Reynolds. The Picture Gallery, designed by Henry Holland, displays an impressive array of Dutch Golden Age works and Grand Manner portraits. The collection also encompasses important Flemish Baroque pieces, French furniture from the Louis XV period, and a renowned assemblage of Sèvres porcelain. Many pieces were acquired by George, 2nd Earl Spencer, a noted bibliophile whose library formed the basis of the John Rylands Library.

The Spencer family

The Spencer family has been inextricably linked with the estate since the 16th century, rising to prominence as wealthy sheep farmers before receiving a peerage in 1603. Key figures include Robert Spencer, 1st Earl, a leading minister for Charles II, and George, 2nd Earl, who served as First Lord of the Admiralty during the French Revolutionary Wars. The family is closely connected to the British royal family, most famously through Diana, Princess of Wales, who grew up at the estate. Other distinguished members include Winston Churchill, a descendant of the 3rd Duke of Marlborough, whose ancestor John Churchill married into the Spencer line, leading to the compound surname Spencer-Churchill. The current custodian is Charles, 9th Earl Spencer, a historian and author.

Public access and events

The house and grounds are open to the public during the summer months, offering tours that highlight the history, art, and connection to Diana, Princess of Wales. The estate hosts a variety of events, including annual literary festivals, classical concerts, and charity fundraising dinners. The St. Mary the Virgin church on the grounds is also accessible to visitors. A museum dedicated to the life of Diana, Princess of Wales was formerly housed on the estate, with many items now part of the touring exhibition. The estate's commercial activities also include corporate hospitality, filming locations for productions like *The Crown*, and licensed weddings in approved areas, contributing to the preservation of the historic property.

Category:Country houses in Northamptonshire Category:Grade I listed buildings in Northamptonshire Category:Spencer family