This is a stunning house set in magical grounds. It began life hundreds of years ago but the oldest part of the house we see today, was built by Thomas, Lord Darcy, early in the 16th-century. After Lord Darcy's untimely death, when he was executed for treason in 1537 the house reverted back to the Crown, and Henry VIII gave it to the Earl of Lennox. It was here that Lord Darnley, husband of Mary Queen of Scots was born in 1544. The house remained in royal ownership until James I, passed it to a cousin, who sold it to pay his debts.
Temple Newsam was bought by Sir Arthur Ingram, a Yorkshire man of merit, who was both merchant and financier, and whose family owned the house for over three hundred years. Following the Ist World War, the house passed to Edward Lindley Wood, who later became Viceroy of India. It was he, who sold the estate to the City of Leeds. He later became Lord Halifax, and was Ambassador to the United States during World War II.
It is a wonderful house and must have been the most delightful home to all who dwelt there-in. The building has a handsome brick and stone-dressed facade with impressive bay windows, and is surrounded by sweeping terraces with stone balustrade and steps leading down to the pretty gardens.
Inside the richly appointed interior there are several stately rooms and a long gallery, all are lavishly furnished with magnificent rugs, gilded furniture, paintings, mirrors, silver and porcelain. An ornate staircase takes you to the bedroom floors, here you can gaze at fabulous four poster beds draped with exquisite fabrics in vibrant shades. As with the lower floor, everywhere there are glistening chandeliers. For the use of visitors there are audio-guides, recalling the lives of the fascinating people who lived there.
Home Farm in the grounds is transformed to a rare breeds centre. Here roaming in gay abandon are rare poultry, pigs, sheep and cattle. There is a wide selection of historic agriculture equipment which includes farming implements and horde-drawn carts. At times there are Victorian laundry demonstrations, and you can watch the blacksmith at work, and see how logs are cut. Picnic spots have been thoughtfully provided within a pretty walled garden setting. In all there are over 1500 acres of parkland, woodland and gardens, surrounding Temple Newsam House, making it one of Leeds foremost tourist destinations with truly something for every member of the family.
Temple Newsam is open all year round. There are reduced hours during the winter months, and the house is closed on Sundays.
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