The House from a 1789 engraving
From an early 20th century stereoscope photo
The Italian Garden from an early 20th century stereoscope photo
Built / Designed For: Sir Walter Cope and originally known as Cope Castle
House & Family History: During the 18th and early 19th centuries Holland House was one of the great centers of Whig society. The House is probably most famous today because of a famous World War II photograph that shows men calmly browsing the shleves of the roofless Library amid rubble, the result of the House having been firebombed the night before (October 22, 1940).
Collections: Some of the contents from Holland House are today in the collection of Melbury House, Dorset.
Architect: John Thorpe
Designed: Part of House, including wing that contained the Library (demolished)John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. I, p. 67, 1852.
John Preston (J.P.) Neale, published under the title of Views of the Seats of Noblemen and Gentlemen in England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland, among other titles: 2.S. Vol. IV, 1828.
Country Life: I, 632, 1897. XIII, 272, 1903. XVII, 870, 1905.
Title: Bombed Buildings of Britain: A Record of Architectural Casualties: 1940-41, The
Author: Richards, J.M. (Editor); Summerson, John (Notes)
Year Published: 1943
Reference: pg. 64
Publisher: New York: Oxford University Press
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Georgian: The Magazine of the Georgian Group, The
Author: NA
Year Published: NA
Reference: Jan 2002, pg. 1
Publisher: London: The Georgian Group
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Magazine
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Past Seat / Home of: Sir Walter Cope, 16th-17th centuries. Henry Rich, 1st Earl of Holland, 17th century. Walter Angelo Fox-Strangways, 8th Earl of Ilchester, 20th century.
Current Ownership Type: Government
Primary Current Ownership Use: Other
Ownership Details: The remaining wing is today a youth hostel. The grounds, including gardens, are owned by the local council and open to the public.
House Open to Public: Limited Access
Historic Houses Member: No