HOLKHAM HALL 



275 



FIG. 190. The Horse Guards, Whitehall 



effect. The plain turrets and the thin cornice of the wings 

 impart a meagre appearance, which is heightened by the 

 fact that the walls are of white brick, a material which 

 remains triste to the end, although centuries may have en- 

 deavoured to mellow it, as they have in vain at Hengrave Hall, 

 in Suffolk. 



Kent's versatility is evidenced at Holkham in the furniture, 

 most of which was designed by him. It is characterised by 

 a solidity and massiveness, both of construction and decora- 

 tion, in striking contrast to the attenuated elegance of his 

 successors. 



Kent died in 1748, long before the house was finished ; the 

 Earl of Leicester died in 1759, still leaving much to be completed. 

 The manner of his death brings home to us the changes which 

 have taken place in habits and customs even more vividly than 

 does his house. Lord Leicester had spoken slightingly of the 

 militia at his own table, a topic of general comment at the time ; 

 his remarks were taken ill by George Townshend, his neighbour 

 at Rainham, who challenged him to a duel. Townshend was 

 young and a practised duellist ; Lord Leicester was a staid 



