In 1695, Thomas Wentworth expected to inherit the landed estate and vast wealth at Wentworth Woodhouse, some 7 miles to the south of Stainborough, when the 2nd Earl of Strafford died childless in 1695. Unexpectedly, however, the estate was left to Thomas Wentworth’s cousin Thomas Watson.
Although Thomas Wentworth went on to command high positions as a soldier and diplomat in the service of King William III and Queen Anne, he remained determined to re-establish his claim to the title of Earl Strafford – but to have any chance of achieving this he required a large landed estate. An opportunity arose in 1708 to purchase what was then known as Stainborough Hall and Thomas seized his chance to create an estate suitable for a man of his importance. Queen Anne duly re-created the Earldom of Strafford and Thomas became the first Earl Strafford of the second creation.
The Estate has been in the care of the Wentworth Castle Heritage Trust since 2001 and is open to the public year round 7 days a week. The castle's gardens were restored in the early 21st century, and are also open to visitors.
Dahlias in the John Arnold Garden - he was the first Head Gardener - in the 18th century
The Victorian Flower Garden
The Sun Monument was erected by William Wentworth, 2nd Earl of Strafford, and later dedicated to the achievements of Lady Mary Wortley Montague, a renowned author, traveller and eccentric. It was the first landscape monument to pay homage to a living woman who was neither a monarch nor a goddess.
Remains of Stainborough Castle - a mock Motte and Bailey Castle constructed in 1720s
Then back through the Stumpery
The Rotunda was started in 1739, the year of Thomas Wentworth’s death
and completed by his son William Wentworth in 1742. It is a round Ionic temple.
Its plan is based on the temple of Vesta at Tivoli, near Rome and originally it
stood clear of trees on a grassy hill.
For further details see Wentworth Castle
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