Nostell Priory

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Nostell Priory in 1880.
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Nostell Priory in 1880.

Nostell Priory is a Palladian house located in Nostell, not far from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, England. Built on the site of a medieval priory for the Winn family from 1733 onwards, Nostell Priory is today a National Trust propery.

[edit] History

The house was originally built by James Paine for Sir Rowland Winn on the site of a 12th century priory dedicated to Saint Oswald. Later, Robert Adam was commissioned to design an additional wing and complete the state rooms.

The Priory is home to a large collection of Chippendale furniture, all of which was designed especially for the house, and an art collection with works by Pieter Brueghel the Younger, Hogarth and Angelica Kauffmann.

There is a longcase clock (with an almost completely wooden internal mechanism) made by John Harrison in 1717 that is housed in the Billiard room, open to the public.

[edit] Gardens

Within the grounds of Nostell Priory are delightful lakeside walks with a stunning collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in late spring. The main frontage of the house is east facing and there is a long grass vista at the front. Leading down to the lake on the west side of the house is the West Lawn which is host to a number of small 'bring a picnic' style open-air concerts throughout the summer. The extensive parkland is also now open to the public and contains the newly restored Obelisk Lodge.

Other features within the gardens at Nostell Priory include a giant chess set and a small childrens adventure playground.

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