Exterior view

The first phase of Smythson’s work (1568-90) was moulded by his association with Longleat and his partnership there with Alan Maynard (active 1563-c. 1584 in England). Because he arrived there comparatively late, nothing of the plan was Smythson’s, but he absorbed its exterior compactness and symmetry to the extent that these characteristics are the unifying thread that runs through all his work during this period. He was probably responsible for some of the classical banqueting-houses on the roof of Longleat and, with Maynard, for the design and execution of the bay windows.

The symmetrical three-story house was built by Sir John Thynne (c. 1515-1580), 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 fa�ade, 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.

View the ground plan of Longleat House (engraving by Jefry Wyatt, 1766-1840).