Lanhydrock facts for kids
Lanhydrock is a fascinating place in Cornwall, United Kingdom. It's known for its amazing country estate and a huge mansion. Lanhydrock is located just south of the town of Bodmin. It's surrounded by other areas like Bodmin, Lanlivery, and Lanivet. In 2001, about 171 people lived in the Lanhydrock area.
The local church, dedicated to St Hydrock, is right on the grounds of Lanhydrock House. Some parts of this church are very old, dating back to the late 1400s! It has a special design with a chancel, nave, aisles, and a tall, strong tower with one bell.
Discover Lanhydrock House
Lanhydrock House is a magnificent building that sits high above the River Fowey. Since 1953, the National Trust has owned and looked after this historic estate. While much of the house you see today was built in Victorian times, some parts are even older, from the 1620s! It's considered a very important historical building and is surrounded by beautiful formal gardens. The hill behind the house is filled with a wonderful collection of different shrubs and trees.
Building the Grand House
The story of Lanhydrock House began in 1620. A very wealthy merchant named Sir Richard Robartes bought the estate. He started building the house with a special design: four sides around a central courtyard. Sir Richard passed away in 1624, but his son, John Robartes, who later became the 1st Earl of Radnor, continued the building work.
Changes Over Time
Over the years, Lanhydrock House changed. In the 1700s, one whole side of the house, the east wing, was taken down. This left the house with a "U" shape, which is how it looks today.
Then, in 1881, a big fire caused a lot of damage. The south wing was completely destroyed, and the middle part of the house was badly harmed. Luckily, some important parts survived! The north wing, which has a very long room called the Long Gallery (about 29 meters!), and the front porch building were saved. The original gatehouse, which is also from the mid-1600s, was also untouched by the fire.
