Holker Hall West Wing, Cumbria
Posted by: Groundspeak Premium Member flipflopnick
N 54° 11.265 W 002° 59.011
30U E 501075 N 6004411
The west wing of Holker Hall famously burnt down in 1871, and was rebuilt grander on the same plot by the resident Lord Cavendish and his daughter.
Waymark Code: WM8VTM
Location: North West England, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 05/18/2010
Published By:Groundspeak Charter Member THE DAM TROLLS
Views: 3

"On the ninth of March 1871, in the early hours of the morning, a disastrous fire started in the dressing room of Lord George’s second son, Lord Frederick Cavendish. The fire was so intense that it led to the destruction of the whole new west wing and many of the paintings, furniture, statues and books were lost for ever. The then Lord Cavendish used this catastrophe to rebuild the whole west wing on an even bigger scale than before. He employed the leading architects Paley and Austin from Lancaster to make the house one of the grandest around. " from Teacher's pack 2 download (visit link)

What we see now is the Victorian rebuild in an Elizabethan style. Inside the oak panelling came from a German monastery which was being auctioned off. All the stone fire surrounds had to be replaced. About 12 in all. Building work was completed in 1875.

There is an entrance fee to this part of the hall.
Type of Structure: other

Other: Private but public entrance fee charged.

Construction Date: 01/01/1875

Fire Date: 03/09/1871

Structure status: Still standing building

Cause of Fire:
Unknown cause in a dressing room.


Documentation of the fire: [Web Link]

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