Photo: Spencer House by Steve Cadman, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spencer House is a Grade I listed historic house in Greater London, and a member of Historic Houses. Read about its history, architecture and gardens, plus how to visit and what's nearby.
About Spencer House
Spencer House stands at 27 St James's Place in London, overlooking Green Park.
Built between 1756 and 1766 for John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, it is now regarded as one of the most important buildings in English architectural history.
The State Rooms contain some of the earliest Neoclassical interiors created in Europe, designed by James 'Athenian' Stuart drawing directly on ancient Greek sources.
The house fell into decline during the twentieth century before Lord Rothschild, who leased it in 1985, oversaw a major restoration that returned the State Rooms to their eighteenth-century appearance.
Historic Houses members can visit free of charge.
The house opens to the public for guided tours on Sundays throughout the year except August.
Read more on WikipediaHistory of Spencer House
The house was built between 1756 and 1766 for John Spencer, 1st Earl Spencer, as a grand London residence overlooking Green Park. It fell into decline during the twentieth century before Lord Rothschild, who leased it in 1985, oversaw an ambitious restoration that returned the State Rooms to their eighteenth-century appearance. The collection includes pieces original to the house alongside long-term loans from institutions.
Architecture of Spencer House
John Vardy designed the exterior and early interiors, with James 'Athenian' Stuart completing the later State Rooms in a Neoclassical style drawing directly on ancient Greek sources. The house is Grade I listed and is regarded as one of the first and finest examples of Neoclassical design in England.
Worth knowing
The Painted Room is thought to be one of the earliest complete Neoclassical interiors in Europe, decorated by James Stuart in a scheme inspired directly by his studies of ancient Athens.
Gardens & grounds at Spencer House
A guided garden tour of around 15 minutes follows the house tour from April to October, weather permitting.
Facilities
Plan your visit to Spencer House
Nearest station: Green Park Underground Station (0.2 miles)
Open to the public for guided tours every Sunday except August; check official website for specific times.
Places to visit near Spencer House
Wellington Arch
View Wellington Arch on heritage mapApsley House
View Apsley House on heritage mapChapter House and Pyx Chamber
View Chapter House and Pyx Chamber on heritage mapBanqueting House
View Banqueting House on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Spencer House there are 27 historic properties, including 13 historic buildings, 5 historic houses and 3 museums, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 10 miles of Spencer House there are 42 historic properties, including 22 historic buildings, 9 historic houses and 4 palaces, across English Heritage, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Spencer House there are 75 historic properties, including 33 historic buildings, 21 historic houses and 5 palaces, across National Trust, Historic Houses and English Heritage sites.
Facts
A Georgian aristocrat's townhouse with some of the earliest complete Neoclassical interiors created in Europe.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Greater London, England
- Visit duration
- Approximately 1 hour for house tour
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