Howsham Hall

Howsham Hall is a country house constructed from limestone ashlar in the Jacobean style, featuring a U-shaped plan with seven bays across its main frontage in North Yorkshire. The Grade I listed building impresses with its solid construction and classical proportions.

Sir William Bamburgh began construction of the hall in 1610 and reused stones from the demolished Kirkham Priory, which had been dissolved during Henry VIII's reign. This practice of material reuse reflects the practical building methods of the early modern period.

The surrounding parkland was designed by Capability Brown in the 1770s and contains three Giant Sequoia trees, which were rare specimens in European gardens of that era. These ancient trees continue to shape the landscape today and reflect the period's interest in exotic plants.

The Drawing Room accommodates up to 96 guests for seated meals, while outdoor marquee arrangements can host events of up to 250 attendees. Visitors should plan ahead as different spaces serve different purposes and may have varying availability.

The cellar retains its original Norman architecture, creating a striking structural contrast with the predominantly Jacobean design of the main structure. This layering of building styles makes the site's long history tangible to visitors.

Location: Howsham

Inception: 1610

Architectural style: Jacobean architecture

GPS coordinates: 54.05920,-0.88006

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00