The House from a 1906 postcard
Built / Designed For: William Penn of Pennsylvania
House & Family History: Penns-in-the Rocks is so named because of the natural outcrop of monumental sandstone rocks that sits opposite the House. The red brick house was built in the early 18th century for the family of William Penn of Pennsylvania. The South Façade (the main entrance front) was built by William Penn IV circa 1737; the projecting wings were added by Stephen Beeching in 1830.
Garden & Outbuildings: The Bloomsbury poet Dorothy Wellesley, who lived here until 1956, erected the temple facing the House that is dedicated to "The poets who loved Penns."
Title: Disintegration of a Heritage: Country Houses and their Collections, 1979-1992, The
Author: Sayer, Michael
Year Published: 1993
Publisher: Norfolk: Michael Russell (Publishing)
ISBN: 0859551970
Book Type: Hardback
House Listed: Grade II*
Park Listed: Grade II
Current Seat / Home of: Gibson family; here since 1956.
Past Seat / Home of: William Penn of Pennsylvania, early 18th century. Dorothy Wellesley, until 1956.
Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home