Ickworth has belonged to the Hervey family since the 15th century but the Italianate Georgian building seen today dates to the end of the 18th century when Frederick Augustus Hervey, the 4th Earl of Bristol decided to build a home fit to display his enormous art collection.
Based on the vision of Italian architect Mario Asprucci, he commissioned brothers Francis and Joseph Sandys to create a neoclassical showpiece: the Rotunda. Building began in 1795 but was halted on the 4th Earl’s death in 1803. It stood unfinished for decades, only being completed in 1842 by the 5th Earl (who became the 1st Marquess).
This pilaster is part of the external decoration of the Rotunda.
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