Wilton House

Wilton House has been the seat of the Herbert family, Earls of Pembroke, for over four and a half centuries. It stands pre-eminent in the art history of England for its tradition of continuous artistic patronage, and for its unique architecture and collections of Old Master paintings and classical sculpture.

Wilton House stands on the site of a 9th-century nunnery founded by King Alfred. This was replaced by a 12th-century Benedictine abbey which, with its surrounding lands, was surrendered at the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries, to King Henry VIII, who gave them to William Herbert around 1542.

Wilton House has remained in the family since that time and opened its doors to the general public on 1 May 1951. With its history, architecture, art treasures and 21 acres of gardens and parkland, it has attracted visitors from all over the world. This sumptuously illustrated book details the history of the house and the treasures within it.