PIN Syon House & Park

Running free in `rural` London

Syon is one of the last great houses of London, and has been in the family of the present owners for more than 400 years. It is within a stones through from Twickenham and can be clearly seen from the iconic Thames path. Profoundly historic, the House contains a wealth of art within its beautiful classical interiors, while rolling Park and Gardens have a deeply rural feel despite its close proximity to the centre of London. The House is the last surviving ducal residence (i.e. it has a duke living there) in Greater London. Visitors can take a look round the Duke of Northumberland’s London home, view the magnificent State and Private Apartments and enjoy the spectacular Great Conservatory nestled within 40 acres of park and gardens.

History

Syon Abbey (from which Syon House derives its name) was a medieval monastery founded in 1415 on a nearby site by King Henry V. The abbey moved to the site now occupied by Syon House in 1431. It was closed by royal agents during the Dissolution of the Monasteries and the monastic community was expelled.

The 1st Duke of Somerset had the site rebuilt as Syon House in the Italian Renaissance style before his death in 1552. Henry VIII's fifth wife Catherine Howard was imprisoned at Syon before being taken to the Tower of London for execution.

In 1557 it was proposed to convert the new building to the earlier Catholic use but Elizabeth I of England acceded to the throne before this change was effected. Syon was acquired in 1594 by Henry Percy, 9th Earl of Northumberland (1564-1632) since when it has remained in his family.

In the 18th century, Hugh Percy, 1st Duke of Northumberland, commissioned architect and interior designer Robert Adam and landscape designer Lancelot "Capability" Brown to redesign the house and estate. Work began on the interior reconstruction project in 1762. Five large rooms on the west, south and east sides of the House, were completed before work ceased in 1769. A central rotunda, which Adam had intended for the interior courtyard space, was not implemented, due to cost.

In 1951 the Syon house was opened to the public for the first time and visitors continue to visit today.

TripTide Thoughts

From the medieval remains of an old abbey to the sumptuous Robert Adam interiors and the 'Capability' Brown landscaping, this sixteenth century home of the Duke of Northumberland is not be missed. It is jam packed with masses of things for all the family.
PS: Don't miss the enchanted wood

Owner

Lucy TripTide

Lucy is a TripTide stalwart and has been with the company since inception. She is a font of knowledge of all things in our metropolis but she has a special penchant for London's historical past. She says:"London is a multi-layered confection of hi...