Earlier Houses: A Medieval manor house burned down in 1716 and was replaced in 1717 with the Palladian style house that is the primary focus of this record. In addition, there were 12th century monastic buildings on, or near, the site of the 18th century house.

House & Family History: Studley Royal is a World Heritage Site that encompasses the remains of a 12th century Cistercian abbey (Fountains Abbey); one of the world's best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden; and an Elizabethan house, Fountains Hall (see separate listing). Studley Royal House was the home of Queen Ethelburga's School of Harrogate during World War II. The house burned to the ground in 1946 and was not replaced.

House Replaced By: In the mid-20th century the former stables were converted into a new Studley Royal House. In 2023 this house was listed for sale for £8 million.

Comments: Studley Royal is considered England's most important 18th century water garden. Christopher Hussey called the landscape "...one of the most spectacular scenic compositions in England."

Garden & Outbuildings: In 1966 the Studley Royal Estate, which sits within the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, was purchased by West Riding County Council; it was acquired by the National Trust in 1983. In 1986 the entire park was designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO (United Nations). There is the Medieval deer park and a number of extant outbuildings and follies on the estate, including the Banqueting House (circa 1731), the Temple of Piety (circa 1736), the Mackershaw Lodges (circa 1732), and the enormous stableblock (1728-32), today a Grade II*-listed private home (the house was listed for sale in the summer of 2023 for £8 million). The 12th century Cistercian Fountains Abbey, used in the 18th century as part of the landscape park of Studley Royal, is owned by the National Trust and managed by English Heritage. The world famous water garden was created by John Aislabie in 1718. Most of the deserted Medieval village of Studley Magna lies within Studley Royal Park.

Chapel & Church: The Grade I-listed St. Mary's Church was built between 1871 and 1878 to the designs of William Burges and is considered the architect's ecclesiastical masterpiece. It's famous for its spectacular interior, unusual for a parish church, particularly its stained glass windows. The 1st and 2nd Marquess of Ripon are buried here.

House Listed: Demolished

Park Listed: Grade I

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: de Aleman family, 13th century. Sir John Mallory, until 1619; William Mallory, 1619-46; John Mallory, 1646-55; Mallory family here from circa 1452 until the 17th century. John Aislabie, 1693-1716. SEATED AT 18TH CENTURY HOUSE: John Aislabie, 1717-42; William Aislabie, 1742-81. Elizabeth Allanson, late 18th century. Elizabeth Sophie Lawrence, 1808-45. Thomas de Grey, 2nd Earl de Grey, until 1859. George Frederick Samuel Robinson, 1st Marquess of Ripon, 19th century; Frederick Oliver Robinson, 2nd Marquess of Ripon, until 1923. Clare George Vyner, 20th century.

Current Ownership Type: The National Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

Ownership Details: The abbey is maintained by English Heritage. St. Mary's Church is owned by English Heritage and managed by the National Trust.

House Open to Public: Grounds Only

Phone: 01765-608-888

Fax: 01765-601-002

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No