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First-ever large-scale history of Wanstead House

hosue-1Wanstead House, by Richard Westall ©Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection

The Friends of Wanstead Parklands has commissioned Dr Hannah Armstrong – an expert in 18th-century architecture and landscape design – to write the first-ever large-scale history of Wanstead House.

“In existence for just 100 years, Wanstead House was regarded as one of the most magnificent palaces in Europe and the estate originally stretched nearly as far as Woodford. Tragically, in June 1822, every item within the house was sold at auction, prior to the house being demolished,” said a group spokesperson.

Due for publication in 2022 to mark the 200th anniversary of the ‘grand sale’, the book will tell the story of the house, its grounds and its larger-than-life owners, complemented by over 70 illustrations, some of which will be published for the first time.