This magnificent edifice stands at the south-west end of the Strand, opposite to St. Martin's Lane. It was built in the reign of James I. by Henry Howard, earl of Northampton during whose life it was called Northampton House, and consisted originally of three sides only. After his death, it came into the possession of his relation the earl of Suffolk, and was then known by the name of Suffolk House. In 1642, Algernon earl of Northumberland, lord high admiral of England, became proprietor of this house by marrying lord Suffolk's daughter, at which time it obtained its present name.
The front to the street is magnificent, but in a style which cannot be characterized as purely Gothic or Grecian. On entering the first gate under the front, the four sides of the inner court are seen, new faced with Portland stone, in a more correct style than the outside; and two new wings, above 100 feet in length, extend from the garden front to the river. The principal door of the house opens to a vestibule, about eighty-two feet long, and more than twelve feet wide, properly ornamented with columns of the Doric order. Each end of it communicates with a staircase, leading to the principal apartments, which face the garden. They consist of several spacious rooms, fitted up in the most elegant manner. The ceilings are embellished with copies of antique paintings, or fine ornaments of stucco, richly gilt. They also contain a very large and valuable collection of pictures by the greatest masters :—among them are the works of Raphael, Titian, Luca Jordano, Paul Veronese, Dominicho Fatti, Salvator Rosa, Tempesta, Albert Durer, Old Frank, Rubens, Vandyke, Snyders, Dobson, &c., without mentioning more modern masters. But to be minute would require a volume.
There are above 140 rooms in this noble residence, and furnished in a style of peculiar magnificence. The garden, between the house and the river, forms a pleasing piece of scenery; for it consists of a fine lawn, surrounded with a neat gravel walk, and bounded next the walls by a border of curious flowers, shrubs, and evergreens.
Other London Buildings:
New Court House, or Westminster Guildhall
General List of other Noblemen's Residences
Source: Leigh's New Picture of London. Printed for Samuel Leigh, 18, Strand;
by W. Clowes, Northumberland Court. 1819