Castle Howard, Yorkshire;

THE SEAT OF

FREDERICK HOWARD,

EARL OF CARLISLE, K.G.

THIS stupendous and magnificent Mansion is situated four miles south-west from New Malton. The approach is through an ancient arched Gateway, lined and flanked with Towers. Nearly opposite to the grand Entrance an elegant Monument is erected to the memory of Lord Nelson.

The north front, from its magnitude, exhibits an air of considerable grandeur. It is more extensive than that of Blenheim, erected by the same Architect, and consists of a rich centre, of the Corinthian Order, with a Cupola rising from the roof, and two extensive Wings: the east was finished according to the original design, but the west Wing was subsequently erected by Sir James Robinson, without any attention either to extent or character of the main building. The South, or Garden Front, is very magnificent, the Centre consisting of a pediment and entablature supported by fluted Corinthian pilasters; it is approached by a grand flight of steps, which, with the range of pilasters along the whole façade, is particularly fine. At the extremity of the east Wing, is the Kitchen, which has a square tower at each angle. The number of roofs, cupolas, vases, and massy clustered chimneys, in the intermediate space, and the general picturesque assemblage of the whole design, the masterpiece of Sir John Vanbrugh, is striking and impressively grand. In front and extending above five hundred yards is a noble turf Terrace, decorated with statues, terminated, at the distance of above half a mile, by a large Ionic Temple.

In the centre of four avenues of lofty trees, in the Park, stands an Obelisk, 100 feet in height, bearing on the side facing the House, an inscription in Latin and English, to commemorate the valour and success of the Duke of Marlborough, and on the opposite side the following:

"If to perfection these plantations rise,

If they agreeably my heirs surprise,

This faithful pillar will their age declare,

As long as time these characters shall spare.

Here then with kind remembrance read his name,

Who for posterity performed the same."

CHARLES, THE THIRD EARL OF CARLISLE, OF THE FAMILY OF THE HOWARDS,

AND CALLED IT CASTLE HOWARD. HE LIKEWISE MADE THE PLANTATIONS IN THIS PARK, AND ALL THE OUTWORKS, MONUMENTS, AND OTHER PLANTATIONS, BELONGING TO THIS SEAT. HE BEGAN THESE WORKS IN THE YEAR 1712, AND SET UP THIS INSCRIPTION ANNO DOM. 1731.

About half a mile south-east of the House, is the Mausoleum, of the Doric Order, of a circular form, terminating in a dome, ninety feet high. In this Mausoleum the founder of the surrounding scene is interred: he died May 1, 1738, at Bath. The Park and Grounds are extensive, and laid out with appropriate and corresponding grandeur.

The interior of this princely Mansion abounds with works of art. The Hall, 35 feet square and 60 feet high, adorned with columns of the Corinthian and Composite Orders, terminates in a spacious dome 100 feet high; the walls were painted by Pellegrini with the history of Phaeton; the recesses are occupied by antique statues of Augustus, Marcus Aurelius, Sabina, Julia Mammea, Bacchus, Ceres, and Diadumenianus, successor to Caracalla; and on pedestals are the busts of Paris, Adrian, Lucius Verus, Vitellius, a Bacchanal, Epaphroditus, and Marcus Antoninus.

The Saloon is 34 feet by 24; the ceiling painted with the representation of Aurora, the statues and busts are those of Jupiter Serapis, Pallas, Cupid, Commodus, Domitian, Enobarbus, father of Nero, Didius Julianus, Marcus Aurelius, Adrian, Antoninus Pius, &c.

The Dining room is 28 feet by 21, the Chimney-piece is very handsome, the entablature is supported by fluted columns of Sienna marble, and adorned with groups of polished white marble, and upon it three bronzes, Brutus, Cassius, and the Laocoon; there are also two slabs of Sicilian jasper, and a valuable vase of fine green porphyry, with two busts, one of Marcus Aurelius, the other of a Bacchanal. The Saloon up stairs is 33 feet by 26, painted by Pellegrini; on the ceiling are Venus and Minerva, and on the walls a representation of the principal incidents in the Trojan war, viz. the Rape of Helen, the Sacrifice of Iphigenia, Achilles in disguise in the midst of the daughters of Laomedes, Ajax and Ulysses contending for the armour of Achilles, the Conflagration of Troy, and Æneas bearing Anchises on his shoulders from the flames.

The Drawing-room, 23 feet by 27, is hung with rich tapestry from the designs of Rubens: upon two pedestals of green porphyry is a black head and a Sylvan God. There are also several bronzes, and a bust esteemed the finest ever brought to England. It was found at Rome, and purchased by the Earl of Carlisle, when he visited that city with Lord Morpeth.

The Blue Drawing-room is 28 feet by 20, the floor of which is Mosaic. In this room are two tables of Verd Antique, and several busts and valuable pictures.

The State or Gold Bed-room is 28 feet by 24, hung with Brussels tapestry after the designs of Teniers; upon the chimney-piece, composed of white and Sienna marble, is a bust of Jupiter Serapis; over it the Doge of Venice, in the Bucentaur, espousing the Sea, by Canaletti.