| |
|
Holkham
Hall
This mansion is built in classic 18th century Palladian style,
set in a deer park with herds of fallow deer, is a living treasure
house of art and architecture. Built in the late 1720s, it still
belongs to the original family, the Cokes, Earls of Leicester.
It is built of local bricks, very pale in colour. There are
four wings, the central block inside, palatial and overpowering,
and contains the state rooms. There are facings of pink alabaster
inside, the ceilings marvellously plastered with leaves and
flowers. The marble hall contains classical statues and is very
imposing. There is a fine collection of books.
|
|
Thomas
William Coke (‘Coke of Norfolk’, the great agricultural
reformer) actually begun the park before the house. It contains a
Triumphal Arch, an 80 foot Obelisk and a Temple, all designed by William
Kent. The park was laid out by Capability Brown. There is a large
lake and the walled kitchen garden, with a vinery and glasshouses,
is now run as a nursery. Also in the park is the 120 foot high Leicester
Monument. This commemorates Coke of Norfolk (1754-1852) and has symbols
to represent his improvements to agriculture. On its plinth it has
a seed drill, a plough, a Devon ox and a Southdown sheep. The capital
has turnip leaves, a mangel-wurzel, and above is a wheatsheaf.
|
