Kingston Lacy
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Kingston Lacy is a stately home and estate near Wimborne Minster in Dorset, England, owned by the National Trust.
It was the family seat of the Bankes family who had resided nearby at Corfe Castle until its destruction in the English Civil War. The building was designed by Sir Roger Pratt for Ralph Bankes and was built between 1663 and 1665, with interiors designed by Inigo Jones but executed by his heir John Webb. The house was extensively remodelled by Sir Charles Barry, between 1835 and 1838, who added a tall chimney to each corner and lowered the ground level on one side, exposing the basement level.
On display in the house is William Bankes' collection of artworks and the Spanish room, with walls hung with gilded leather. The Bankes family also collected Egyptian artefacts, including an obelisk which stands in the grounds.
Within the estate is Badbury Rings, an iron age hill fort, and the Roman Road from Dorchester to Old Sarum.
The house and gardens are open to the public and in 2002 received 139,342 visitors.
External links
- National Trust Handbook: Kingston Lacy (http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/scripts/nthandbook.dll?ACTION=PROPERTY&PROPERTYID=297)
References
- Pitt-Rivers, Michael, 1968. Dorset. London: Faber & Faber.
- Dorset County Council, Visitor Numbers at Selected Attractions 1998 to 2002 (http://www1.dorsetcc.gov.uk/LIVING/FACTS/LandUseData.nsf/6cadf4da179fc19500256663004afece/cb589f955aaeba1c80256f1e003d8c62?OpenDocument)