Earlier Houses: The current house contains, at its core, an earlier Palladian house.

House & Family History: Pevsner describes Allerton Park as a "large Gothic and Tudor mansion, mostly of 1848-51." The older parts probably belong to a house altered in 1788 by Frederick, Duke of York (son of George III), who employed Henry Holland to improve the Palladian house he purchased in 1786 from the 4th Viscount Galway. According to local legend, the hill on which the Temple of Victory stands, once known as Arbour Hill, is the one mentioned in the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York": "The Grand Old Duke of York, He had ten thousand men. He marched them up To the top of the hill, Then he marched them down again. When they were up, they were up. When they were down, they were down. When they were only half-way up, They were neither up, nor down." At a height of 80 feet, Allerton's Great Hall remains one of the highest baronial halls in England. In January 2005 a fire destroyed about 30% of the house; the most notable loss was the dining room, which contained some of the finest wood carving in England. The Great Hall survived the fire.

Comments: Allerton is considered among the most important Gothic Revival houses in England.

Garden & Outbuildings: The Temple of Victory (late 18th century), and the hill upon which it is located, are thought to be referenced in the nursery rhyme "The Grand Old Duke of York." The late 18th century stables are extant.

Chapel & Church: The circa 1810-50 chapel is extant.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Current Seat / Home of: Gerarld Rolph; here since 1983.

Past Seat / Home of: The Hon. Richard Arundel, early 18th century; Henry William Monckton-Arundell, 3rd Viscount Galway, until 1786. Frederick, Duke of York and the Prince of Wales, 1786-89. Colonel Thornton, 1790s. Charles Philip Stourton, 17th Lord Stourton, 1805-16; William Stourton, 18th Baron Stourton, 1816-46; Charles Stourton, 19th Baron Stourton, 1846-72; Alfred Joseph Stourton, 20th Baron Stourton, 1872-93.

Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

Primary Current Ownership Use: Other

Ownership Details: Owned by The Gerald Arthur Rolph Foundation for Historic Preservation & Education and used as a private residence and as a conference and wedding venue.

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01423-330-927

Fax: 01423-331-125

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.allertoncastle.co.uk/

Historic Houses Member: Yes