The Garden Facade of the House from an early 20th century postcard
The Garden Facade
The Entrance Facade
The Garden
The Entrance Hall
The Entrance Hall
Earlier Houses: There was probably an earlier house on the site of the current house.
Built / Designed For: Thomas Worsley VI
House & Family History: The Worsleys are an ancient Yorkshire family who purchased the manor of Hovingham in 1563 and have remained here ever since. The current Hovingham Hall is a Palladian style L-shaped country house built of limestone ashlar; unusually, it was developed around an existing stableblock, which today forms the main entrance. The House was built between 1750 and 1770 by Thomas Worsley VI (1710–78) to his own designs. Worsley was surveyor general to the Board of Works and an amateur gentleman architect who was obsessed with horses, which is why Hovingham has extraordinary stables and a large riding school (where Thomas taught King George III to ride). In 1828 the Worsleys were elevated to a baronetcy by King George IV. The 5th Baronet's younger sister, Katharine Lucy Mary Worsley, became the Duchess of Kent on June 8, 1961, when she married Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, a member of the royal family. The couple got married at York Minster, the first royal marriage there in 633 years. Hovingham was also the childhood home of the noted architectural historian and author Giles Arthington Worsley (1961-2006), whose funeral took place at Hovingham on January 26, 2006.
Comments: The private cricket ground is believed to be the oldest in England.
Garden & Outbuildings: The private cricket pitch in front of the House is believed to be the oldest cricket ground in England. There is a Tuscan temple and ornamental bridge over a waterfall that are both listed Grade II.
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: 2.S. Vol. I, p. 133, 1854.
Country Life: LXII, 884, 920, 1927. CXXIX, 1410, 1961.
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Not Listed
Current Seat / Home of: Sir William Ralph Worsley, 6th Bt.; Worsley family here since 1563.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01653-628-771
Fax: 01653-628-668
Email: office@hovingham.co.uk
Website: http://www.hovingham.co.uk
Historic Houses Member: Yes