Mount Edgcumbe House

Across the water from the historic city of Plymouth lies the great Cornish House of Mount Edgcumbe. The house was built between 1547 and 1553 for the renowned Edgcumbe family of Cotehele and became the home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.

For the first time in England a house was built to take advantage of the wonderful situation and views rather than as a defensive house built around a courtyard.

The banqueting hall adjoining the house was damaged in the Civil War, and the house was to see many changes to its structure over the years, none more dramatic than in 1941, when the house was gutted by enemy action. 1958 saw the beginning of reconstruction, when the 6th Earl restored the house to its original 16th century proportions.

In 1971 the house together with 865 acres was sold to Cornwall County and Plymouth City Councils. It has been open to the general public on a regular basis since 1988.

The house is now beautifully restored to the 18th century style, in keeping with the furniture and family treasures it holds, all of which have family connections.

Features include paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, Gerard Edema and William van der Velde, Irish Bronze Age horns, 16th century tapestries and 18th century Chinese and Plymouth porcelain.

The House and Earl's Garden (admission charged) is open Sunday to Thursday and Bank Holiday Monday between 11am and 4.30pm, 23 March to 30 September. Group bookings can also be arranged in March and October. The house is available for civil wedding and partnership ceremonies and conferences.