Nov 04

Beyond Blenheim: England’s “Lesser Known” Great Country Houses

Barry Greenlaw

In his acclaimed work, "England’s Thousand Best Houses," author Simon Jenkins bestows 5 or 4 stars upon a select 100 houses, marking them as the pinnacle of English architectural heritage. Among these distinguished properties are renowned landmarks such as Windsor Castle, Blenheim Palace, Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall, and Castle Howard. However, the list also features lesser-known gems—hidden treasures tucked away from the mainstream, often privately owned rather than managed by institutions like the National Trust or English Heritage.

From this esteemed selection, a dozen houses have been meticulously chosen, two per lecture, offering a comprehensive exploration of why these estates, regarded as the crown jewels of the English countryside, hold significant historical and cultural value. Spanning diverse regions of the country, each house promises a captivating journey into England's rich heritage and warrants inclusion on your itinerary for an unforgettable trip to England.

Six-Week Course Schedule | Mondays | 10 AM - 12 PM
Nov 04: Kent, Sussex and the Southeast – Pennshust Place, Parham House

Nov 11: The Cotswolds & Oxfordshire – Broughton House, Montacute

Nov 18: The Midlands – Hagley Hall, Eastnor Castle

Nov 25: No Class

Dec 02: East Anglia & Lincolnshire – Grimsthorpe Castle, Harlaxton Marnor

Dec 09: Yorkshire – Burton Agnes Hall, Nostell Priory

Dec 16: North Country – Cragside, Hutton-In-The-Forest

This class will be held in-person at WIH and simulcast via Zoom


Semester

$220.00

Class Tuition

28 in stock

Price is per student. Class tuition is non-refundable.