Aims
This course aims to:
• examine the roots of the creation of wealth and/or its origins in relation to these British architectural status symbols
• explore how stately homes are outward expressions of status, wealth and success
• identify key artistic creators of ‘taste’ - architects, designers and furniture makers
Content
This course examines four dynasties: Cavendish, Lascelles, Stewart and Rothschild whose wealth and titles can be traced in a panoply of architectural treasure houses built on their fortunes. Having survived and thrived in Tudor England, Bess of Hardwick and William Cavendish shrewdly created powerful estates across Derbyshire well away from the dangerous power play of the London court. Hardwick Hall is a fine exemplar of Bess’s Elizabethan prodigy house whilst the range of architecture at Chatsworth, created by their descendants who became Dukes of Devonshire, comes not least from successful lead mining. We investigate how ‘white gold’ from sugar plantations in Barbados enabled the Lascelles to build Harewood House on their Yorkshire lands, this controversial legacy has led to creating new connections with Barbados and research funding at York University. The Stewarts were Hereditary Captains and Keepers of Rothesay Castle on the Isle of Bute for the Kings of Scotland, through marriage, industrial vision, trading and ennoblement to Earls and then Marquesses of Bute, they built and acquired houses, castles and mansions across Scotland, England and Wales. One of which is Dumfries House which has recently been saved and restored at the behest of Charles III. Rothschild is synonymous with ‘rich’, we will trace their rise to fortune across Europe and focus on the British branch who built the French chateau style Waddesdon Manor and its magnificent gardens.
Presentation of the course
PowerPoint lectures will provide detailed illustrations of each site, active participation is encouraged, raising questions and discussions form an integral part of the course. Where possible contemporary and relevant books, articles and plants will be provided daily.
Course sessions
1. Introduction – A matriarch’s tale – Bess of Hardwick and the Elizabethan prodigy house
We set the scene with the fatherless Bess who grew to be a confidant of Elizabeth I, her three marriages encapsulate female vulnerability and opportunity. She and her second husband William Cavendish created a dynasty – the Dukes of Devonshire. Hardwick Hall was managed and created by her with innovative and caring management.
2. Rich in resources – the Chatsworth Estate – house, landscaping, geology, gambling and
revival
Bess’s descendants the Dukes of Devonshire provide a colourful tapestry not least the gambling Georgiana who was also a noted geologist. We will explore generations of commissions inside and out through the intervening centuries as well as contemporary artworks.
3. White gold - the Lascelles and the Harewood estate
We will examine the evolution of the interior and exterior of the house, its gardens and landscape from 1753 onwards in the hands of the finest architects and designers. Time will be taken to address the source and outcomes of this wealth.
4. Scottish roots, English estates and Welsh mines: the Butes and astute marriages
A grand tour of magnificent mansions from Dumfries House to Mount Stuart in Scotland. Georgian prime ministerial estates and plant collecting in England then the fabulous wealth from Welsh black gold evidenced in the rebuilding of Cardiff Castle and other fabulous creations by William Burges.
5. Rich, rich Rothschilds – the Jewish banking heritage manifest in Waddesdon Manor
We outline the family’s history from Frankfurt, the focus will be the 700 acres Ferdinand Rothschild acquired in Buckinghamshire. He built a railway to bring in stone, and piped water 11 miles from Aylesbury. On this blank canvas the French chateau, Italian Renaissance inspired Manor provided a centrepiece for immaculate formal gardens.
Learning outcomes
You are expected to gain from this series of classroom sessions a greater understanding of the
subject and of the core issues and arguments central to the course.
The learning outcomes for this course are:
• to gain an insight into the value of strategic connections amongst Britain’s upper classes
• to compare home-grown with trading wealth and its investment in British estates to maintain
and increase status
• to analyse why some status houses have managed to remain dynastic and profitable
