United Kingdom-England 3
House Entrance
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In 1620 wealthy merchant Sir Richard Robartes acquired the estate and began building Lanhydrock House, designed to a four-sided layout around a central courtyard and constructed of grey granite. A barbican gate was added and the house was garrisoned by Parliamentary forces in August 1644 when Sir Richard Grenville took possession. During the 18th century the east wing of the house was demolished leaving the U-shaped plan seen today. On 4 April 1881 a major fire destroyed the south wing and caused extensive damage to the central section. Of the main house only the north wing, with its Long Gallery, and the front porch building survived intact, along with the original gatehouse. New sections were built behind the south wing, including a kitchen block. Most of the current building, therefore, dates from late Victorian times.
