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Marble Hill House

Marble Hill House
South Front of house with River Thames and boats in foreground. (c) English Heritage Photo Library
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Marble Hill House - South Front of house with River Thames and boats in foreground. (c) The Great Room - The Great Room (c) Henrietta Howard Countess of Suffold - Henrietta Howard Countess of Suffold c1724 Mistress of George II by Charles Jervas (c) Marble Hill House - Marble Hill in Twickenham, built between 1724-29. Grade I listed (c) Marble Hill House - The view from Marble Hill House, [an example of Palladian architecture] to the River Thames has been restored to the vista enjoyed by Henrietta Howard, mistress to George 11, in the Eighteenth Century. The work to restore this historic view is part of "Arcadia in the City", run by the Thames Landscape Strategy and has been part funded by English Heritage (c) Marble Hill House - Marble Hill HouseThe Countess of Suffolks House after Augustin HeckellColoured engraving.1749 (c) Marble_Hill_View4.jpg - The view from Marble Hill House, [an example of Palladian architecture] to the River Thames has been restored to the vista enjoyed by Henrietta Howard, mistress to George 11, in the Eighteenth Century. The work to restore this historic view is part of "Arcadia in the City", run by the Thames Landscape Strategy and has been part funded by English Heritage. Photo by Michael Walter/Troika (c) Marble Hill House - Jonathan Swift's Portrait - Portrait of Jonathan Swift at Marble Hill House, London (c) Marble Hill Concert orchestra - Marble Hill Concert orchestra (c)

Marble Hill is the last complete survivor of the elegant villas and gardens which bordered the Thames between Richmond and Hampton Court in the 18th century. It was begun in 1724 for the remarkable Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II when he was Prince of Wales, and friend of some of the cleverest men in England. The house and gardens were planned by a coterie of fashionable connoisseurs, including Mrs Howard's neighbour, the poet Alexander Pope.

A lovely Palladian villa still set in 66 acres of riverside parkland, Marble Hill was intended as an Arcadian retreat from crowded 18th-century London. It became renowned as a salon of literary wits, gathered round their learned hostess. The compact but carefully planned interior is focused on the first floor 'Great Room' where Mrs Howard held court.

Marble Hill's interiors have been exquisitely restored and recreated, and some of its dispersed original contents have been re-assembled from as far afield as Philadelphia and Melbourne, Australia. There is also a fine collection of early Georgian paintings, including portraits of Mrs Howard and her circle. There can be few places in England which better recall the atmosphere of Georgian fashionable life. A display recreates the Chinese wallpaper Henrietta Howard hung in the dining room. A unique paper has been designed to fit the room, each sheet different and hand painted by Chinese artists.

Opening Times:

April 2009 to March 2010Opening TimesOpening Days
1 Apr-1 Nov. 10am-2pm Sat.
  10am-5pm Sun, & Bank Hols.
2 Nov-20 Dec and 1-31 Mar Exclusive group access, please call for details  
21 Dec-28 Feb CLOSED

How much does it cost?

Adult:
£4.40 until 31 Mar 2010 / £5.00 from 1 Apr 2010
Children:
£2.20 until 31 Mar 2010 / £2.50 from 1 Apr 2010
Concession:
£3.70 until 31 Mar 2010 / £4.30 from 1 Apr 2010
English Heritage Members:
Other:
Family Ticket: £11.00 until 31 Mar 2010 / £12.50 from 1 Apr 2010

How do I get there?

Address:
Richmond - TW1 2NL
Road Access:
Richmond Rd, Twickenham
Train Access:
St Margarets 1⁄2 mile
Bus Access:
From surrounding areas
Tube Access:
Richmond 1 mile
Map Location:
Telephone:
020 8892 5115

What facilities are available?

Facilities Available:
Parking Suitable for people with disabilities Guidebooks Dogs allowed on leads Shop Picnic area Events Civil Weddings Hazardous Available to hire for corporate and private events Admission free for Overseas Vistor Pass holders Park Tea Room Male Toilets Female Toilets
Access:
Level floors throughout the ground floor. Introductory film with subtitles available on ground floor. Second floor: limited access via a staircase although large print text is available for rooms/collections on the upper floors.
Parking:
Disabled visitors may be set down outside the entrance by prior arrangement.
Hearing Impaired Visitors:
Subtitled 10 minute video providing background to the house. Albums on the ground floor where visitors can sit and read.

What facilities are available for groups?

Group Discount:
15% discount for groups of 11 or more visitors paying together. Free entry for coach driver and tour leader.
Coach Parking Facilities:
Coach parking on site.
Group Booking:
Contact the site for a Group Booking Form and for opening times and prices from 1 April 2010.
Average Length of Visit:
1 hour
Guided Tours:

Exploring Marble Hill
Explore the beautiful 18th century Palladian villa, built for Henrietta Howard, mistress of King George II. Visitors gain a fascinating glimpse into the life of Mrs Howard and her circle.

Duration: 45 mins to 1 ¼ hours

Minimum - maximum pax: 11 - 25

Advance booking required: min 2 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 020 88925115

Grounds Tour of Marble Hill:
Allow our Ranger to show you the highlights of our 66 acres of grounds. This tour will bring to life some of the former features of the estate as well as those remaining, such as the Ice House and Grotto. See one of the oldest Black Walnut trees in the country as our Ranger guides you through the grounds.

Duration: 45 mins to 1 ¼ hours

Minimum - maximum pax: 11 - 25

Advance booking required: min 2 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 020 88925115

'Evoking the Orient' - Chinoiserie at Marble Hill
Join the Marble Hill House team on a tour of their new chinoiserie exhibition. Learn about the exquisite hand painted Chinese wallpaper hung in the dining parlour based on original 1750s designs. Marble Hill House boasts a fine chinoiserie collection of Lacquered furniture, porcelain, and mirror paintings. As the ceremony of tea was a luxury in the 18th century, finish your tour with a cup of real Chinese tea!

Duration: 45 mins to 1 ¼ hours

Minimum - maximum pax: 11 - 25

Advance booking required: min 2 weeks

Call for prices and to book: 020 88925115

Further Info

Dogs on leads only in restricted areas
To help you plan your journey to this property please click here
Café (Coach House Café, Open all year 10am - 4pm). Disabled access (exterior & ground floor only; toilets). Dogs (restricted areas only).
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