An 1830 engraving of House from "Neale's Views of Seats"
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: 1700Architect: John Foss
Date: 1791-1822Architect: James Wyatt
Date: Circa 1793-94Architect: Robert Lugar
Date: 1821-24John 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