The house from a 1794 hand-colored engraving
An 1823 engraving of the house from "Neale's Views of Seats"
Earlier Houses: In 1598 Tatton Old Hall [qv] was purchased by Sir Thomas Egerton, later lord chancellor of England during the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I. Succeeding generations of the Egerton family rarely visited Tatton and the estate was let to tenants. Tatton Old Hall, which still stands, was replaced by Tatton Park in the 18th century as the primary seat of the Egerton family.
House & Family History: At the end of the 17th century John Egerton (1679-1724) took his family's estate in-hand and built, circa 1716, a new house some distance from Tatton Old Hall [qv]. This new house was extensively rebuilt in the Neoclassical style by Samuel Wyatt and Lewis William Wyatt. During the late 19th century the 1st Earl Egerton was known for the large house parties he held at Tatton; the cream of society attended, including, in 1887, the Prince and Princess of Wales. The 4th Lord Egerton bequeathed the estate to the National Trust in 1958, "for the benefit of the Nation." The estate is managed and financially supported by Cheshire County Council on lease from the National Trust. Tatton is one of the most complete historic estates in Britain and receives more than 700,000 visitors per year.
Collections: Tatton contains the Egerton collection of paintings, porcelain, and furniture. Over 200 pieces of Gillows furniture were commissioned for Tatton, many pieces of which remain in the collection of the house today; this collection makes Tatton the holder of the largest and most important collection of Gillows furniture in Britain.
Garden & Outbuildings: The gardens, which are considered among the most important in England, feature a Japanese garden, an orangery, the New Zealand tree fernery, and the Italian terraced gardens and maze. During the 18th century the estate spanned 25,000 acres; it today stands at 2,000 acres. The home farm, which remains fully functional, uses traditional animals and the historic estate workshops.
Architect: James Hakewill
Date: 1833-34Architect: William Cole
Date: Circa 1820Architect: Thomas Farnolls Pritchard
Date: Circa 1760Architect: Lewis William Wyatt
Date: 1807-18Architect: Samuel Wyatt
Date: 1785-91John 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. 193, 1854.
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: Vol. I, 1818.
Country Life: XIX, 414, 1906. CXXXVI, 162, 232 plan, 1964.
Title: Country Houses and Collections: An Anthology
Author: Beard, Geoffrey (Editor)
Year Published: 2002
Reference: pgs. 19-21
Publisher: Middlesex: The Attingham Trust
ISBN: NA
Book Type: Hardback
Title: Biographical Dictionary of British Architects, 1600-1840, A - SOFTBACK
Author: Colvin, Howard
Year Published: 1995
Reference: pgs. 100, 266, 446, 783, 1031, 1122, 1127
Publisher: New Haven: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300072074
Book Type: Softback
House Listed: Grade I
Park Listed: Grade II*
Past Seat / Home of: John Egerton, 1716-24; Samuel Egerton, 1738-80; William Egerton, 1780-1806; Wilbraham Egerton, 1806-56; William Tatton Egerton, 1st Baron Egerton, 1856-83; Wilbraham Egerton, 1st Earl Egerton and 2nd Baron Egerton, 1883-1909; Alan de Tatton Egerton, 3rd Baron Egerton, 1909-20; Maurice Egerton, 4th Baron Egerton, 1920-58; Egerton family here from 1598 until 1958.
Current Ownership Type: The National Trust
Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction
Ownership Details: The house and estate are owned by the National Trust and managed by Cheshire County Council
House Open to Public: Yes
Phone: 01625-374-400
Fax: 01625-374-403
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.tattonpark.org.uk/
Historic Houses Member: Yes