Heritage from Home: Castle Howard, Strawberry Hill, and Stowe House, United Kingdom

Travel through the English countryside and step back in time to the eighteenth century to visit some of Britain’s most important historic houses and the gloriously designed landscapes they sit within. From the magnificent Georgian mansion of Stowe House and the dramatically baroque Castle Howard to the world’s first Gothic revival building, Strawberry Hill, join World Monuments Fund (WMF) Britain Executive Director John Darlington on a whistle-stop tour of three iconic British estates and walk in the footsteps of some of the country’s greatest architects, pioneering landscape designers, and intriguing personalities.

This month’s Heritage from Home tour release will be accompanied by a public event on June 24 that takes you on an extended virtual visit of Stowe House to discover WMF’s involvement in the restoration of the magnificent south facade and decorative interiors of the North Hall and Library. Uncover the fascinating story behind the return of Laocoön and His Sons and discover how a pair of lions link Blackpool to Stowe. Delve into the world of metal conservation, and learn about the process of replicating historic statues using traditional craft skills.

Joined by Nick Morris, Chief Executive Officer at Stowe House Preservation Trust, and Rupert Harris of Rupert Harris Conservation, John Darlington will explore why the return or reproduction of lost artwork is important for harmonizing the historic interiors and enhancing the visitor experience at Stowe and other historic sites.