Knole’s inspirational project

The Hayloft Learning Centre opened in 2017 and offers a range of heritage workshops, talks and activities, led by experts and tailored to families, school and adult education. It is a fully accessible learning space and is used by schools as part of their visit to Knole.

The Royal Oak Foundation Conservation Studio 

The conservation studio opened in March 2017 and gives visitors the opportunity to watch conservators caring for precious objects. There are interactive displays for all to enjoy and learn about the processes involved with collection care.

In its first two years of operation, the studio conserved more than 80 per cent of Knole’s unique Royal Stuart furniture, picture frames, paintings and objects acquired by the Sackville family since the 17th century.

A discovery is made 

Volunteer Jim Parker discovered two letters under the floorboards. On close inspection they turned out to be over 400 years old dated during the 17th century. The exciting discovery was made as building and conservation work took place in the attics. Another letter was later found by the team bringing the total to three which give an insight into the past. All letters were placed in the care of conservators in the conservation studio.

First section is completed 

The Great Hall, Great Staircase, Ballroom, Reynolds Room, Cartoon Gallery and King's Room reopened this year for visitors to explore after works were completed. Work then moved on to the other half of the building and the first half of the showrooms opened in March 2017.

Work continues 

Half of Knole's rooms were closed so that essential work could continue. New insulation and heating system were installed along with fire and security systems and electrical wiring, to provide more stable environmental conditions.

Half of Knole's historic showrooms were closed so that specialist building and conservation work could take place in the Great Hall, Great Staircase, Ballroom, Reynolds Room, Cartoon Gallery and King's Room. 

Objects were carefully removed and placed in storage. Floorboards and panelling were lifted, ready for work to begin. New electrical services, fire compartmentation and thermal insulation were installed. Glass screens were designed to protect the state beds after meticulous conservation work, and the collection was taken out of storage and put in place. New interactives and interpretation for visitors were introduced to these areas.  

Explore the Gatehouse Tower 

Works to restore the Gatehouse Tower begun in early 2016 with it opening in June 2017. The areas were reserviced, a new lath and lime plaster put up in the top floor, insulation was added and the spiral staircase redecorated. 

In-depth research enabled the spaces to be interpreted to recreate the rooms as Eddy Sackville-West would have known them.

A new timber decking was laid on the lead roof, allowing visitors to appreciate the superb views of Knole Park.

Relax in the Brewhouse Café 

The refurbished and extended Brewhouse Café and Shop opened in July 2016. An L-shaped extension was built around the yard outside to create a new kitchen and provide more seating. This is a great space to enjoy delicious food in a historic setting including on the new rooftop terrace. 

A new Visitor Centre opened in June 2015. This was relocated to be closer to the entrance of the house and made way for a new bookshop in the courtyard. 

Repairs were made to the wall plaster and to structural openings before final decorations were carried out. Visitors are able to find out about the history of Knole in this space and enjoy a variety of films. There’s a chance to see items from Knole’s collection, dress up in costume and pick up a multimedia guide telling stories of Knole’s conservation work. 

The bookshop opens 

The new bookshop opened at the same time. New shelving and furnishings echo owner Eddy Sackville-West's apartments in the Gatehouse Tower. This creates the perfect place to browse books and relax. A dedicated children’s area promotes children’s literature and offers space for activities such as story time for parents and toddlers. 

The ‘Inspired by Knole’ project commences with detailed planning of works. A timeline is established for visitor routes, the opening of new spaces and conservation of the building and collection. 

During 2013 and 2014 enabling works took place in the showrooms. Structural work to repair and stabilise the roof, walls and windows is completed in the early part of 2014. 

Structural work begins 

Structural work to repair and stabilise the roofs, walls and windows is completed in the early part of 2014.