Fancy going to a place full of 17th century history? Well, look no further…
ENGLAND
Hampton Court Palace, Surrey
It’s not just about the Tudors! The often-overlooked Baroque side was home to William III is stunning and full of historical worth: http://www.hrp.org.uk/hamptoncourtpalace/
Ham House & Garden, Ham, Richmond-upon-Thames
A stunningly well-preserved 17th Century home, built for the Duke and Duchess of Lauderdale. John Evelyn wrote of Ham House: “inferior to few of the best Villas in Italy itself, the House furnish’d like a greate Princes.” http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/ham-house/
Kensington Palace, Kensington, London
A smaller kind of palace. Purchased by William and Mary in 1689 and renovated by Sir Christopher Wren, this is an ideal place to uncover the 17th century past: http://www.hrp.org.uk/KensingtonPalace/
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover, Derbyshire
Home to the Duke of Newcastle, Charles Cavendish, father of William Cavendish (whose story is so vividly brought to life in Lucy Worsley’s “Cavalier”), this castle was purchased in 1612. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/bolsover-castle/
Banqueting House of Whitehall Palace, Whitehall, London
All that remains of the old Whitehall Palace, which burned in a fire in 1698, the main attraction of this building is the amazing painted ceiling by Peter Paul Rubens. This is also where King Charles I met his death upon the scaffold just outside the building. Right across the street from Downing Street and a short walk from the Houses of Parliament -don’t miss this! http://www.hrp.org.uk/BanquetingHouse/
Tredegar House, Newport
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tredegar-house/
Powis Castle and Garden – Welshpool
Though this is a Mediaeval castle, it contains excellent objects from the 17th Century. Well worth a visit. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/powis-castle/
Dyrham Park -Dyrham, near Bath, Gloucestershire
“A beautiful collision of Baroque splendour, 17th-century Dutch taste, beautiful gardens and ancient deer park.” http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrham-park/
Fenton House – Hampstead Grove, Hampstead, London
17th Century Merchant’s House. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/fenton-house/
Dunster Yarn Market – Somerset
17th century timber-framed octagonal market hall. http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/dunster-yarn-market/
THE NETHERLANDS (Formerly the DUTCH REPUBLIC/UNITED PROVINCES)
Paleis Het Loo, Apeldoorn
A must-see for 17th century enthusiasts. The formal parterres were restored during the 1970s – so it’s like going back in time! http://www.paleishetloo.nl/mainpage/2/2/Wat_Is_Er_Te_Zien.html
The Binnenhof, The Hague
http://www.denhaag.nl/en/residents/culture-and-arts/to/The-Binnenhof.htm
FRANCE
Chateau de Versailles
Famous home of the Sun King Louis XIV, this is synonymous with Baroque extravagance. Not to be missed. Just a short train/metro ride from central Paris. http://en.chateauversailles.fr/homepage
Vaux-le-Vicomte
An opulent feast of Baroque architecture – worth the trip! http://www.vaux-le-vicomte.com/