Rokeby Park

Historic Houses & Building

A fine example of a 18th century Palladian-style country house

Rokeby, a fine example of a 18th century Palladian-style country house, was built by its owner Sir Thomas Robinson, a leading amateur architect of the day. The house was completed by 1735 and continued to be owned by Sir Thomas until 1769 when it was sold to J S Morritt, an ancestor of the present owner. A special feature of the house is a unique collection of needlework pictures worked in the 18th century by Anne Morritt with enormous skill. The house also has a very early `print room'. For many years Velasquez's painting `Toilet of Venus', now in the National Gallery, hung in the house and a very good copy can still be seen in the original room. Sir Walter Scott was a frequent guest at Rokeby and he dedicated his epic poem `Rokeby' to his host. Historic Houses Association Member. Opening Times: May BH (Mon), Spring BH (Mon & Tue) then Mon & Tue until 2nd Tue in Sept: 2 - 5pm. Last admission 4.30pm. Groups (25+) on other days by appointment