Every visitor, guest and friend who visits Wilton House comments on how friendly and welcoming the house is. I believe that this is because Wilton is first and foremost a family home and has been for over 450 years.
Since 1544 when the buildings and land were granted by Henry VIII to my ancestor, Sir William Herbert, Wilton House has been inextricably linked to the political and artistic circles of England, whilst at the same time providing employment and homes for estate workers. This pattern continues today but, against this traditional background, changes are constantly afoot. My father, Henry, 17th Earl, initiated a major programme of restoration and improvements, a task which I am continuing to this day, funded by Wilton House Trust. These have included the addition of several new gardens and the complete renovation of the Inigo Jones South Front, including all the state rooms. In 2010 another phase of restoration included the Dining Room and Wyatt Cloisters which received the HHA/Sotheby’s Restoration Award.
