Welcome to Stately Homes

Wilton House stands on the site of a ninth century nunnery founded by King Alfred. This, in turn, was replaced by a twelfth century Benedictine abbey which, with its surrounding lands, was surrendered at the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries, to King Henry VIII, who gave them to William Herbert around 1542.

Wilton House has remained in the family since that time and is now the home of William Herbert, 18th Earl of Pembroke and 15th Earl of Montgomery.

Around 1632 Isaac De Caus began work on a ambitious project to transform the gardens at Wilton House to include a variety of water features stretching over 300 metres across the river. At the same time plans were drawn up to extend the house to match the dimensions of the garden. However, change in family fortunes forced a scale down of these plans to the present size.

Following a fire in 1647 which severely damaged the interior of the south range, John Webb completed the rebuilding of the house. The south front and State Rooms remain a testimony to the architect’s skill and the popularity of the Palladian style of architecture in the middle of the seventeenth century. The Single and Double Cube Rooms are recognised as the grandest rooms of this period in England.

The ninth Earl was an architect who, in 1737 built the Palladian Bridge spanning the River Nadder. Between 1801 and 1815 the eleventh Earl had cloisters designed on two levels and the same time remodelling the north and west sides of the house and creating what is now the main entrance.

Between 1987 and 1992, the 17th Earl commissioned a major restoration project on the inside and outside of the building and to celebrate the completion of this scheme, a new Coat of Arms was carved to replace the much eroded one on the inside of the Clock tower.

Wilton House, 450 year old home to the Earl of Pembroke, provides a fascinating insight into British history. The house contains many splendid State rooms including the magnificent Double Cube room which houses the world famous collection of Van Dyck paintings. This room, among others has offered film-makers the perfect setting for films such as 'Sense and Sensibility' and 'Mrs Brown'.

Created within the atmospheric setting of the Old Riding School, is the interpretative centre containing the award winning introductory film, recreated Tudor Kitchen, Victorian laundry and Doll's Houses exhibition.

The Times Past Times Present exhibition includes a special presentation on D-Day and the role that Wilton House played in the planning of Operation Overlord.

For more information on Wilton House, do visit their extremely detailed Website.

Opening Times - 2010:

House:
Easter weekend, 2nd - 8th April & 1st May - 31st August: Sunday - Thursday inclusive plus Bank Holiday Saturdays, 11.30 - 4.30 (but closed 24th - 31st May inclusive)
Last admission 3.45 pm

Grounds:
Easter weekend, 2nd - 18th April & 1st May - 31st August: daily, 11 am - 5 pm, last admission 4 pm (also open weekends in September)

Opening arrangements may change at short notice. Please check website or telephone before making a visit.

Admission Prices - 2010:

House and Grounds:
Adult - £12
Child (5-15yrs) - £6.50
Senior - £9.75
Family - (2+2) - £29.50
Group - £10

Grounds:
Adult - £5
Child (5-15yrs) - £3.50
Senior - £4.50
Family - (2+2) - £17

More information on the garden can be found on The Gardens Guide.