THYNNE, Sir John
(b. ca. 1515, Church Stretton, d. 1580, Longleat)

Exterior view

1568-80
Photo
Longleat House, Wiltshire

The symmetrical three-story house was built by Sir John Thynne, who employed Robert Smythson and French architect Allan Maynard. The house stands as a splendid focal point in the 900 acres of parkland landscaped by Capability Brown.

Thynne finished his grand home in 1580, shortly before his death. Though the exterior maintains its exquisite Tudor façade, the interior has been much altered to follow the changing dictates of comfort and fashion. The great hall still boasts its Tudor hammerbeam roof and carved fireplace, but the rest of the furnishings are Victorian.