Harewood House has been the home of the Lascelles family for over 200 years.
The Lascelles are an ancient family and one came to Britain with William the Conqueror.
The family increased their fortune at the end of the 17th century through profits from their sugar plantations in Barbados and their wealth enabled the Lascelles to build Harewood House.
The stunning Paladian house was designed by John Carr of York in the 1759 and interiors were the work of Robert Adam.
Much of the furniture at Harewood was designed especially for the house by Thomas Chippendale who was born at nearby Otley.
In Victorian times the architect Sir Charles Barry, who designed the Houses of Parliament, added a third storey to Harewood House and created an Italianate terrace along the south facade.
Succeeding generations of the family have added fine art collections to the house.
The 1st Viscount Lascelles collected French porcelain and Chinese celadon and commissioned watercolours by the foremost artists of the day. The 6th Earl of Harewood, father of the present Earl, collected Italian paintings whilst the 6th Earl's wife Princess Mary, the Princess Royal, was the daughter of George V.
Princess Mary carried out restoration of the house to re-establish Robert Adam's designs. Her personal royal mementos are displayed throughout the house.
The Entrance Hall with its plasterwork and classical design is dominated by a statue of Adam by Joseph Epstein.
All the rooms from the state rooms to Lord Harewood's Library and Sitting Room are furnished with collections of art, porcelain and splendid furniture. The house's collection of English paintings includes works by Reynolds, Gainsborough and Turner.
There are two watercolour rooms and the Terrace Gallery has a programme of temporary art exhibitions.
Harewood House is set in grounds developed by 'Capability Brown'.
The Parterre Terrace has box scrolls and seasonal planting.
In the grounds are woodland and lakeside walks as well as the famous Harewood Bird Garden with exotic and endangered species from all around the world.
Outdoor events are held in the grounds, including car rallies and concerts.
2008: 15 Mar–2 Nov: House & Terrace Gallery: 11:00-16:30. Last entry 16:00; Harewood Below Stairs: 12:00-16:30 Last entry 16:00; Grounds & Gardens: 10:00-18:00 Last entry 16:00; Bird Garden: from 10:00 daily.
Tel: 0113 218 1010 Harewood House Website
