Nestled in the heart of the Yorkshire countryside, Harewood House stands as a magnificent testament to 18th-century opulence, architectural brilliance, and aristocratic heritage. Located between Leeds and Harrogate in West Yorkshire, this stately home is more than just an architectural gem—it’s a cultural institution, a centre of conservation, and a vibrant destination for art, history, and nature lovers.
Constructed in the mid-18th century for Edwin Lascelles, 1st Baron Harewood, Harewood House has long been associated with prestige, refinement, and a deep connection to Britain’s evolving story—from imperial grandeur to inclusive public engagement. Today, it remains a symbol of both the splendour and contradictions of the Georgian era, carefully preserved and thoughtfully interpreted for future generations.
The Origins and Construction of Harewood House
The vision for Harewood House began in the 1750s when Edwin Lascelles, a wealthy landowner and son of a West Indian plantation owner, commissioned a grand new home that would reflect his social status and personal taste. Using wealth accumulated largely from the sugar trade and profits from Caribbean plantations—many of which were worked by enslaved people—Lascelles spared no expense in creating one of Britain’s most lavish estates.
Construction began in 1759 and continued into the 1770s. Lascelles hired some of the most celebrated talents of the time:
- John Carr of York, a leading architect of the period, was responsible for the exterior design—a grand and symmetrical Palladian-style mansion.
- Robert Adam, the renowned Scottish neoclassical architect, was later brought in to complete the interior, giving Harewood its richly decorated ceilings, classical motifs, and elegant proportions.
- Capability Brown, the legendary landscape architect, was engaged to design the expansive grounds and gardens. Brown reshaped the estate’s natural contours into rolling parkland, complete with a large man-made lake and sweeping vistas.
Architectural and Artistic Splendour
Harewood House is widely considered one of the finest examples of Palladian architecture in Britain. The grand central block, with its symmetrical wings and vast portico supported by Ionic columns, is both majestic and inviting. The entire structure exudes balance, proportion, and classical elegance.
The Interiors
Inside, the house boasts some of the most exquisite interiors of the Georgian era:
- The State Rooms include the opulent Yellow Drawing Room, the Library, the Music Room, and the State Bedroom. Each room features intricate plasterwork, fine textiles, hand-painted ceilings, and decorative woodwork.
- The Gallery and Dining Room display large-scale works by notable artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds, Thomas Gainsborough, and J.M.W. Turner.
- The Robert Adam ceilings are masterpieces in their own right, with finely detailed classical motifs, rosettes, and geometric patterns.
The Lascelles family were avid patrons of the arts, and their collections reflect a long-standing tradition of connoisseurship. Harewood still houses an exceptional range of fine art, decorative arts, and furniture by Thomas Chippendale, who was specially commissioned to furnish the house.
The Gardens and Grounds
Harewood’s landscape is as much a work of art as the house itself. The original gardens, sculpted by Capability Brown, cover over 100 acres and are designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding Yorkshire countryside.
Key Features of the Grounds:
- The Lake: A large, serpentine body of water designed to appear natural, offering scenic walks and reflections of the estate.
- The Terrace Garden: A formal Italianate terrace at the rear of the house, added in the Victorian period, with geometric flower beds, fountains, and stone balustrades.
- The Himalayan Garden: A tranquil, wooded area with a stream and exotic plants, offering a peaceful contrast to the formality of the terrace.
- The Walled Garden: Once the estate’s kitchen garden, this space has been restored for organic gardening and now serves educational and community purposes.
- Bird Garden and Farm Experience: Opened in the 1970s, this family-friendly zone features penguins, flamingos, parrots, alpacas, goats, and more—providing both entertainment and conservation education.
Harewood’s Royal Connection
Harewood House has a significant royal lineage through Mary, Princess Royal, the only daughter of King George V and Queen Mary. She married Henry Lascelles, 6th Earl of Harewood, in 1922. Their son, George Lascelles, 7th Earl of Harewood, was a first cousin of Queen Elizabeth II and played a significant role in British cultural life as the Director of the Royal Opera House and Chairman of the Board of the English National Opera.
This royal connection continues to lend Harewood House prestige and has led to several royal visits, including by Queen Elizabeth II herself.
The Legacy of Slavery and Reinterpretation
In recent years, Harewood House has actively confronted its historical ties to the transatlantic slave trade. The wealth that financed its construction came largely from West Indian plantations worked by enslaved Africans. While this was once an unspoken aspect of the estate’s history, Harewood has now become a leader in transparent historical interpretation.
Through exhibitions, talks, and community engagement, the Harewood House Trust encourages conversations about colonialism, racism, and historical injustice. Projects such as “Missing Portraits,” featuring contemporary artworks and stories of descendants of enslaved people, have been powerful in reclaiming narratives and broadening public understanding.
Cultural Hub and Public Engagement
Today, Harewood House is operated by the Harewood House Trust, a registered charity dedicated to preserving the house, its collections, and its grounds for the public.
The estate hosts a wide range of events and exhibitions throughout the year:
- Art exhibitions, including collaborations with the Tate, V&A, and contemporary artists.
- Seasonal events, such as Christmas at Harewood, with lights, storytelling, and festive décor.
- Workshops and tours that delve into subjects like Georgian architecture, gardening, cooking, and conservation.
- Educational programmes for schools and universities, promoting learning through art, history, and ecology.
Visitors can explore the house and grounds at their own pace, enjoy afternoon tea at the Terrace Café, or browse artisan gifts in the Courtyard Shop.
Harewood in Popular Culture
Thanks to its stunning setting and preserved Georgian interiors, Harewood House has been featured in numerous film and television productions, including:
- Victoria (ITV)
- Downton Abbey
- Emmerdale
- The Secret Garden
- Death Comes to Pemberley
Its cinematic quality makes it an ideal backdrop for period dramas and historical narratives.
Conclusion: A Living Legacy
Harewood House is much more than a relic of aristocratic excess—it is a dynamic, living site that continues to evolve with the times. It serves as:
- A museum of art and design, showcasing everything from Chippendale furniture to contemporary installations.
- A landscape of learning, encouraging deeper understanding of Britain’s complex colonial past.
- A place of joy and leisure, where families, walkers, artists, and historians alike can find inspiration.
Through thoughtful stewardship and inclusive programming, Harewood House not only honours its grand past but builds bridges to the future. Whether you’re drawn by the architecture, the gardens, the history, or the wildlife, Harewood House offers an enriching experience that lingers long after the visit.
