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/
1620’s House, Donington le Heath, Leicestershire
Located in Donington le Heath, Leicestershire, this building reminds me of the interior of Anne Hathaway’s Cottage in Warwickshire. With excellent recreations of 17th-century living, this is a must-see. https://1620shouse.org.uk/
Bolsover Castle, Bolsover, Derbyshire
Home to the Duke of Newcastle, Charles Cavendish, father of William Cavendish, 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/
