Castle Howard

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Castle Howard, near Malton (Yorks.), is one of the grandest houses privately built, comparable with Chatsworth, which may have influenced its design. It was commissioned by the 3rd earl of Carlisle, who began in 1699 to transform what had been the sprawling hamlet and ruined castle of Henderskelfe. The main house was designed by Vanbrugh, with the west wing finished in the 1750s to the design of Sir Thomas Robinson of Rokeby, brother-in-law to the 4th earl. The three great features are a superb south front, the imposing dome and entrance hall, and an extensive park, dominated by Vanbrugh's Temple of the Four Winds and Hawksmoor's sombre mausoleum.

J. A. Cannon

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Castle Howard

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