Corsham Court, Wiltshire — historic house

historic house · Wiltshire · England

Corsham Court

Photo: Corsham Court by Rodhullandemu, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About this place

Corsham Court is a 16th-century country house in Corsham, Wiltshire, three miles west of Chippenham.

Its art collection began with paintings inherited by Paul Methuen in 1757 from his uncle, the diplomat Sir Paul Methuen, and much of it still hangs in the state rooms.

The surrounding park was landscaped by Capability Brown.

The house is privately owned and open to visitors, with free entry for Historic Houses members.

Read more on Wikipedia

History

The house passed into the Methuen family, and in 1757 Paul Methuen inherited it along with a group of old master paintings from his uncle, the diplomat Sir Paul Methuen, giving the collection its foundation. Corsham Court is Grade I listed, and James Methuen-Campbell, the present Baron Methuen, is the eighth generation of the family to live there. The estate has stayed in family hands throughout, rather than passing to a public body.

Architecture

Corsham Court's Elizabethan core has been altered and extended by successive generations, and the building holds Grade I listed status for its architectural and historic interest.

Worth knowing

The art collection built up by the Methuen family from the mid-18th century includes works gathered by the diplomat Sir Paul Methuen during his postings abroad.

Gardens & grounds

The park was laid out by Capability Brown and can be visited separately from the house.

Facilities

Parking Shop Cycle parking

Plan your visit

Nearest station: Chippenham Rail Station (3.5 miles)

Open year-round except December, with extended hours in summer and weekend-only afternoon hours in winter; check the official website for current dates and times.

Nearby properties

Historic places nearby

Within 5 miles of Corsham Court there are 3 historic properties, including 2 historic buildings.

3 National Trust
2 Historic building
1 Museum
See these 3 sites on the heritage map

Within 10 miles of Corsham Court there are 18 historic properties, including 10 historic buildings, 5 historic houses and 2 museums, across National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses sites.

8 National Trust
5 English Heritage
5 Historic Houses
10 Historic building
5 Historic house
2 Museum
1 Manor house
See these 18 sites on the heritage map

Within 20 miles of Corsham Court there are 59 historic properties, including 24 historic buildings, 13 historic houses and 8 archaeological sites, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.

24 English Heritage
16 National Trust
13 Historic Houses
6 Churches Conservation Trust
24 Historic building
13 Historic house
8 Archaeological site
7 Church
5 Museum
1 Castle
1 Manor house
See these 59 sites on the heritage map

Facts

An 18th-century diplomat's art collection, still hanging in the family home eight generations on.

Type
historic house
Location
Wiltshire, England
Historic Houses Grade I
Official website

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