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H O W I C K H A L L
N O R T H U M B E R L A N D , E N G L A N D
T h e R i g h t H o n o u r a b l e T h e L o r d H o w i c k o f G l e n d a l e
The Grandfather of William the Conqueror himself was the immediate name
forebear to this family. Moving from their fortified Chillingham Castle in the
17th Century, Palladian Howick Hall was furnished out with full splendour to
become the main residence. Surrounded by superb furniture and painted by
Reynolds, Romney and other great artists of their day, historic ancestors include
an Earl who commanded the British forces in America and the Declaration of
Independence, and was said to be the last surviving officer with General Wolfe
at Quebec. Another Earl became Prime Minister; his son, a general, became the
loved and powerful Private Secretary to Prince Albert and to Queen Victoria.
Each generation brought colourful additions to Howick Hall. Lord Howick’s
grandfather was Governor General of Canada. His father, a Knight of the Garter,
was Governor General successively of Rhodesia and Kenya. This broad and
continuing involvement in world affairs are reflected in the collections at Howick
where, for instance, the American John Singer Sargent painted the portraits of the
last generation of the family.
