Althorp

A Historical Summer at Althorp

Continue the history lessons throughout the summer holidays and take a visit to ALTHORP.

From the moment you reach Althorp you will feel the welcoming warmth of a house which has been the Spencer Family home for over 500 years, now open to the public throughout the months of July and August.

The Spencer family has lived at Althorp since 1508. Henry VIII hadn't even got through the first of his six wives when the family settled here, and Columbus had only "discovered" America sixteen years before.

Think of any historical figure after that time - Elizabeth I, Mozart, Napoleon - and it's strange to think that, while they breathed, there was always a Spencer living at Althorp.  Discover the magnificent interiors which are home to one of Europe’s finest private collections of furniture, paintings, sculpture and ceramics – the result of one family’s uninterrupted occupancy.

The house hasn't always stayed the same in appearance. Nobody knows what the original building looked like, although the foundations that are visible down in the cellars seem to be of local ironstone, similar to that of which the stables are made.

In the Billiard Room, look out for the painting of what Althorp looked like 300 years ago. Then, it was a beautiful, red brick house, with formal gardens surrounding it.  213 years ago, red brick was no longer in fashion and this was when Althorp was covered in grey tiles. The tiles are very thin, but look as though they are proper bricks.  The house continues to look very impressive today, when seen from the outside – perhaps see which you prefer?

Horses have always been very important to the Spencer family. Until nearly a century ago, they were the main method of transport. They were also needed on the farms that make up the Estate surrounding Althorp.  In 1900, there were 100 horses in the Stables at Althorp - you can see many of their names in the café today. They were looked after by 40 grooms - ten of them living in each of the four corner towers.

Althorp pays profits from visitor activity, including the ‘Diana: A Celebration’ exhibition, to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund, a registered charity (No. 1064238). There is a minimal annual payment of £10,000.

Althorp is delighted to welcome visitors to explore the house, stroll through the park, enjoy delicious items in the café, relax in the beautiful gardens, or reflect at the Round Oval from, 1st July - 30th August inclusive.

For further information along with visitor and group prices please email mail@althorp.com or telephone 01604 770107

« Back to News