Stourhead House features a remarkable library that was constructed between 1796 and 1800 under the direction of Sir Richard Colt Hoare, a notable antiquarian. Designed by architect Sir Richard Westmacott, this Neo-Classical wing was intended to showcase Hoare’s extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and treasures acquired during his Grand Tours.
The library is adorned with custom furniture crafted by Thomas Chippendale the Younger and includes an exquisite painted glass window from 1803, illustrating Raphael’s The School of Athens. Remarkably, this self-contained wing survived a catastrophic fire in 1902 that ravaged the main house, allowing its original Regency interiors to remain preserved. In 1946, Stourhead House and its library were entrusted to the National Trust for future generations to appreciate.