SmileyRose Ramblings by Frances Rose Agnes Napper (She/Her)

Please note that my photographs are for viewing only.

Some years ago, my daughter Catherine and I came to Belton House for the day. They had a child’s dressing up box. Catherine wore a beautiful purple dress. I still have that photograph. I do not know where all of the Belton House photographs from that trip disappeared to as someone only left me with a photograph of my daughter and I. It seems very prejudiced that someone went into my google account and removed them.

Frances x

Here’s a lovely view of Belton House—the striking Grade I listed country mansion near Grantham, Lincolnshire.

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Belton House

• Architectural gem: Built between 1685 and 1687 by Sir John Brownlow, 3rd Baronet, Belton House exemplifies Carolean (Restoration) architecture—hailed as the only truly vernacular architectural style England produced after Tudor times .
• Over the centuries, it remained the Brownlow (and then Cust) family seat until it was donated to the National Trust in 1984 due to financial pressures .

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History & Significance

• The estate was utilized during both World Wars: first as an assembly point for the 11th (Northern) Division in WWI, then as RAF Belton Park during WWII .
• Throughout its long history, the house underwent thoughtful updates reflecting changing tastes—yet the core design remains largely intact .

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Interiors & Collections

• Special rooms include the Marble Hall, Chapel Drawing Room, and the Chinese Bedroom with its hand‑painted wallpaper .
• The collections are outstanding—featuring English portraiture, silver, ceramics, rare furniture, and one of the National Trust’s largest libraries .
• Unique treasures include a lapis lazuli veneered cabinet and a sophisticated Daniel Delander longcase clock with perpetual calendar .

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Gardens & Parkland

• The estate’s formal gardens combine Italian and Dutch styles, including an Orangery and a distinctive Dutch Garden with parterres and topiary paths .
• The Conservatory, designed by Jeffry Wyatville and built in 1820, is the first garden building of its kind in England .
• Beyond the gardens lies 1,300 acres of parkland rich with wildlife, including historic fallow deer .
• Don’t miss the sundial by Caius Gabriel Cibber—featured in the beloved book and BBC adaptation of The Moondial .

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Film & Cultural Highlights

• Belton House famously portrayed Rosings Park, Lady Catherine de Bourgh’s estate, in the 1995 BBC adaptation of Pride & Prejudice .
• More recently, its grounds—including the Italian Garden and Orangery—were used in the Bridgerton spinoff about Queen Charlotte, alongside interior locations like the Marble Hall .

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Visiting Today

• Access: Located near Grantham, it’s roughly a 2 hr 40 min drive from London, or reachable by train from Kings Cross to Grantham .
• Facilities:
  • House tours, gardens, playgrounds, and miniature train rides—especially popular with families .
  • Indoor play café, stables café, gift shop, and a second-hand bookshop .
  • Accessibility support including mobility aids and sensory bags .
• Timings & Pricing:
  • Varies by season; house, gardens, and play areas have differing open days/hours. It’s best to check ahead .
  • Entry fees available for house, gardens, and park separately .

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At a Glance

Feature Highlights Architecture Exquisite Restoration design, largely preserved Interiors Marble Hall, wood carvings, Chinese décor, vast library Collections Portraits, ceramics, silver, rare books, unique pieces Gardens & Park Italian & Dutch gardens, conservatory, vast deer park Cultural Appeal Featured in Pride & Prejudice, BridgertonVisitor Services Play areas, cafés, shops, accessible facilities

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