Nigel's Photo Blog

Front elevation at Castle Howard This evening, I am reprising a tour of Castle Howard near York in N.E. England First, we departed our lodgings in York and drove north for 15 miles to Castle Howard, a 300 year-old grand house which is the home of the distinguished Howard family. Features at Castle Howard include: Baroque architecture with hints of Catholicism. Great Hall with high dome and frescoes, carvings and wrought ironwork. Ornate chapel with work by pre-Raphaelite artists including William Morris. Temple of the Four Winds located away form the main building and offering 360 degree views. Garden statues. Ray Wood with extensive botanical collection. Grand entrances. Lake with water birds. Connection with Brideshead Revisited, both T.V. series and film. Spring blossom at Ray Wood, Castle Howard, Grand bedroom at Castle Howard Great Hall, Castle Howard Atlas Fountain, Castle Howard Castle Howard viewed from Temple Terrace   Temple of the Four Winds, Castle Howard Video cl...

Castle Howard, is about sixteen miles N.E. of the city of York in northern England.This name is actually a misnomer because, although built on site of a former military castle, the building was never designed for military or defensive purposes. Today, Castle Howard ranks as one of Britain’s finest historic houses. Fountain. Summary information on Castle Howard as follows: Building commenced in 1699 but completion was not achieved until 1811. Built by Sir John Vanbrugh (1664-1760) who also designed a similar masterpiece, Blenheim Palace. Remains under long-standing ownership of the family associated with the Earls of Carlisle (Howard family). The Howards still reside at the property. Inside can be found dramatic designs and collections of furniture, paintings and other items.The building  is surrounded by 1000 acres of parkland comprising rolling hills and unexpected monuments and statues, many with a classical theme. Castle Howard is, perhaps, best kn...