Lydiard Park is an impressive neo-Palladian Georgian mansion set in a country park on the outskirts of Swindon.
The house dates in its present form from 1743 when an older H-plan house was remodelled by the 2nd Viscount St John, half-brother of the well-known Tory politician, Lord Bolingbroke.
The St John family first came to Lydiard Tregoze in the 15th century and the estate remained in their hands until the 20th century when financial problems led them to sell the house and park to Swindon Corporation in 1943.
Lydiard Park was empty when the local authority purchased it and they have restored and refurnished it. Much of the original furniture and all of the portraits have been brought back to Lydiard Park.
The exterior of Lydiard Park has changed little since it was rebuilt in 1743.
The two-storey facades are constructed of beautifully cut limestone ashlar.
The entrance or south front has a central pedimented feature and there are four Italianate towers at the corners of the building. Much of the old structure survives behind the classical elevations.
There have been few changes to the interior since the 18th century.
Many of the rooms were created within the walls of the original house. These are strung out on either side of the Hall.
The Hall has Palladian decoration with a coved ceiling, frieze and cornice. Busts on wall-brackets and a fine chimneypiece add to the classical appearance of the room.
The Library to the left has an unusual ribbed ceiling. The walls are lined with bookcases with busts in open pediments. Portraits here include works by the 17th century artist Mary Beale and there is a bust of the politician Lord Bolingbroke in Roman dress by Rysbrack, dated 1737.
The Dining Room on the other side of the Hall is lavishly decorated with a screen of Ionic columns at the service end. The walls are hung with 17th and 18th century family portraits.
The next room to visit is the Drawing Room which has much restored late 18th century flock wallpaper and a splendid marble chimneypiece.
The State Bedchamber and Dressing Room in the east wing have fine Rococo plaster ceilings.
The bedroom has a Corinthian colonnade screening off the alcove and a superb contemporary Rococo mirror but the bed has gone. In the Dressing Room is a rare 17th century painted-glass window by the Dutchman Abraham van Linge, probably preserved from the original building. This lights a semi-circular projection with an ornate plaster ceiling.
The Dressing Room now displays panels painted by the 18th century society artist Diana Spencer, later Lady Diana Beauclerk. These were painted for Little Marble Hill, her long-demolished house in Twickenham (Middlesex).
Lydiard Park is set in rolling lawns and woodland typical of the late 18th century.
The church to the north is renowned for its 17th century fittings and splendid monuments, many of which were erected by Sir John St John. Notable among the monuments is the 'Golden Cavalier'.
2008: Grounds: every day until dusk. Lydiard House & Walled Garden: Tue-Sun 11:00-17:00, open Bank Holiday Mon. Winter closes 16:00 (Nov-Feb) Closed 24-26 Dec.
Tel: 01793 770401 Lydiard Park Website
