Peek into the past at our grand country homes
North Yorkshire is home to some of England’s most beautiful and grand country houses, each with their own rich history.
These estates, surrounded by classic countryside, offer a glimpse into aristocratic life and showcase the architecture of their time.
Notable examples include the present Howsham Hall, a Jacobean Grade 1 listed mansion in Malton, which was built in 1610, and Cowick Hall, which is located between the villages of East and West Cowick and dates back to the 17th century. It was once home to Viscounts Downe and features stunning Baroque architecture within its vast grounds. Bolton Hall is also among the historic properties, and is an 18th century country house which was rebuilt after a fire in 1902 and is surrounded by stunning parkland in Wensleydale.
We take a look back into the archives to explore rare photographs and illustrations of these and other grand estates from the past.
These archive images are among more than 6,500 available at the County Record Office – where you can browse the collection or buy photos.
If you have any further information about any of the images on this page, our archivists would be keen to hear about it. Please email yny@northyorks.gov.uk