Uppark

The estate was constructed around 1690 for Ford Grey, the first Earl of Tankerville. In 1747, ownership transferred to Sir Matthew Fetherstonhaugh and his wife Sarah. The couple significantly shaped the house, undertaking extensive alterations between 1750 and 1760 and introducing much of the current collection of furnishings, acquired during their Grand Tour from 1749 to 1751. Their son, Sir Harry Fetherstonhaugh, expanded the collection and commissioned Humphry Repton to design a new pillared portico, a dairy, and a landscaped garden. In the 19th century, separate buildings for stables and kitchens were added, connected to the main house by tunnels. On August 30, 1989, Uppark was severely damaged by a fire caused by a workman's blowtorch during roof repairs.