DiCamillo Companion
England

Swinton Park (Swinton Castle)

  • Built / Designed For: Sir Abstrupus Danby

    House & Family History: Swinton was begun in 1695 for Sir Abstrupus Danby and extended in the 18th century. In the early 19th century a two-story West Wing and a North Wing were added (later a museum was built). Turrets, a tower, and battlements were added by Robert Lugar, 1821-24, giving the house its castle appearance. The Danby family sold Swinton in 1882 to Samuel Cunliffe-Lister, later descending to the earls of Swinton. During World War II Harrogate College occupied part of the house; following their departure the major part of the house was leased to Conservative College. From 1976 until 1998 Swinton was occupied by the Lindley Educational Trust, who operated it as a management training center. The Cunliffe-Lister family repurchased the property in 2000 and opened it as a private hotel.

  • Garden & Outbuildings: Swinton today sits within an estate of 20,000 acres that is noted for its chain of five lakes.

  • Architect: William Thornton

    Date: 1700
    Designed: Summer House for Sir Abstrupus Danby

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    Architect: John Foss

    Date: 1791-1822
    Designed: North Range (1791-96), South Wing (1813-14), and part of Quarry Gill Bridge (1822), all for William Danby.

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    Architect: John Carr

    Date: 1764-67
    Designed: Alterations for William Danby

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    Architect: James Wyatt

    Date: Circa 1793-94
    Designed: Decorated Drawing Room for William Danby

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    Architect: Robert Lugar

    Date: 1821-24
    Designed: Remodeled house in castellated style for William Danby

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  • 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. II, p. 98, 1853.

    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: CXXXIX, 788, 872, 1966.

  • Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - HARDBACK
    Author: Colvin, Howard
    Year Published: 2008
    Reference: pgs. 226, 386, 663, 1040, 1186
    Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
    ISBN: 9780300125085
    Book Type: Hardback

  • House Listed: Grade II*

    Park Listed: Not Listed

  • Current Seat / Home of: Cunliffe-Lister family

    Past Seat / Home of: Sir Abstrupus Danby, 1695-1727; William Danby, 18th century. Samuel Cunliffe-Lister, 1st Baron Masham, until 1882; Philip Cunliffe-Lister, 1st Earl of Swinton, 20th century.

    Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

    Primary Current Ownership Use: Hotel

  • House Open to Public: By Appointment

    Phone: 01765-680-966

    Fax: 01765-680-901

    Email: [email protected]

    Website: http://www.swintonestate.com

    Historic Houses Member: No