Discover the collection and stories of Stourhead

The Cabinet Room at Stourhead, Wiltshire — The Pope's Cabinet at Stourhead is the subject of possibly the longest book ever written about a single piece of furniture

Explore the collection and discover the stories of some of Stourhead's most influential owners. Scroll down for articles, collection guides and some handy tips for your own home.

Detail of the Pope's Cabinet, 1742, Stourhead

Discover our collection

Did you know that there are over 8000 objects in the Stourhead collection? Each one of them was bought, collected, inherited or made by various members of the Hoare family over multiple generations. Discover more about some of these special items from the comfort of your sofa.

The front of Stourhead House at sunset — Explore the history of this wonderful Palladian mansion house

Stourhead Wiltshire

The history of the house at Stourhead

Discover the fascinating history of the house at Stourhead and find out how the different residents changed the house over the centuries.

Learn more

Delve into Stourhead's stories

Sir Henry the Magnificent who created the pleasure grounds at Stourhead in Wiltshire

The Hoare family at Stourhead

Stourhead was created in the 18th century by a banking family, the Hoares. Read more about the influential owners who helped shape the Stourhead we know today.

Display of Pelargonium 'Scarlet Unique' in terracotta pots

Sir Richard Colt Hoare, avid plant collector

Stourhead is home to many remarkable trees, shrubs and plants. But why?

Stourhead in the twentieth century

Harry Hoare, the man who should have inherited Stourhead sadly died in 1917 leaving Stourhead with no direct heir.

Take a closer look

The Pope's Cabinet

A new book – 125 Treasures from the Collections of the National Trust – shares the stories behind some remarkable objects and takes readers on a journey through time, starting with Roman sculpture and ending with 20th-century design. Stourhead is home to three of these treasures, including the Pope's Cabinet. Find out what makes it so special.

The carpet being removed for restoration

Our Axminster carpet restoration

The Axminster carpet in the Saloon is the oldest, largest and most important at Stourhead. Weighing 40-60 stone, the carpet was sent for conservation work which took nine months to complete. Find out more about what was involved.

The Library Lunette that was recently restored

Conserving the Library Lunette

As soon as you walk into the Library, you can’t help but stare in wonder at this work of art.

Caring for your special items at home

Cleaning the silver in the Butler's Pantry at Llanerchaeron

How to care for silver

In the depths of winter, silver objects bring much needed sparkle and shine to our interiors. But tarnish can impair the appearance of silver, diminishing its potential to create dazzling festive displays. Learn how to treasure your silver forever with this handy guide to its care and conservation from our experts.

Books on the shelves in the State Bedroom at Kingston Lacy, Dorset.

How to care for paper and books

From children’s drawings and mysterious maps to cigarette cards and favourite books – simple handling and storage techniques can help these fragile objects last as long as your memories. Learn how to treasure your paper and books forever with this handy guide from our experts.

Close view of part of carved armchair, late 18th century, giltwood and gesso, from the Drawing Room at Ickworth

How to stop insects from destroying interiors

Insects are essential to our ecosystem, indoors and out, but not so welcome when eating your favourite woolly jumper or carpet. But what can you do? Hilary Jarvis, one of the National Trust’s Assistant Preventive Conservators, shares some tips based on the methods used in our historic houses.