Work started on building Longleat House in 1540 when John Thynn purchased the ruins of a priory for £53.
Thynn was a remarkable man who rose in 40 years from working in Henry VIII's kitchen to acquiring great wealth and social position.
The first house was destroyed by fire but Thynn bought a quarry of Bath stone and rebuilt it.
The house and estate has remained in the Thynn family and each generation has added their personal touches.
Although many owners of the estate allowed it to fall into disrepair there were always descendants determined to take after John Thynn.
The 1st Viscount Weymouth built up the estate and created beautiful gardens. However, his work was neglected and ruined by his successor.
The 3rd Viscount found favour at court and was elevated to the rank of Marquess of Bath by George III who visited the house in 1789.
Nevertheless, the 1st Marquess died in debt and his son had an immense struggle to save the estate. He succeeded and also carried out major improvements to the house. James Wyatt was employed to do this work which took ten years to complete.
The prosperity of the Victorian age brought many changes.
There was lavish entertaining and the state rooms were remodelled in baroque style. The Breakfast Room and Lower Dining Room date from 1870 and are modelled on the Venetian Ducal Palace.
The present owner, Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath, has decorated the family apartments with his own vast, colourful murals.
Today the Great Hall is the only room that belongs to John Thynn's time.
In 1949 Longleat was the first stately home to be opened to the public. This was done to raise funds to maintain and preserve the house and estate.
In 1966 the grounds landscaped by 'Capability' Brown were transformed into a safari park. There are more attractions today including 'The World's Longest Hedge Maze', the Longleat Railway and the Adventure Castle as well as exhibitions and activities.
Longleat House Opening Times2008 House:daily Jan-Dec (closed Christmas Day) 10:00-17:00(17:30 weekends, Bank Hol and school holidays); Safari Park and attractions: daily 15 Mar-2 Nov Safari Park 10:00-16:00, other attractions 11:00-17:00
Tel: 01985 844400 Longleat House Website
