By W. R. BANKES, Esq. 



INGSTON LACY HOUSE was built by Sir Ralph 

 Bankes in 1660 within a few yards of the site of 

 and Palace of the West Saxon Kings after 

 designs by Inigo Jones, and having been con- 

 structed of red brick was embellished and faced 

 with Caen stone by Sir Charles Barry in 1834. 

 The staircase from the front hall to the second floor is of pure 

 white Carrara marble. The balustrades are formed of various 

 kinds of rare marble, while the pedestal standing on the landing 

 of the second floor is a remarkable antique. 



The life-size bronzes on the staircase are remarkable. The three 

 figures and the siege of Corfe Castle were made by Marochetti, and 

 presented to Mr. Bankes in gratitude for assistance given to Baron 

 Marochetti when a young man and almost unknown. The picture 

 galleries are well known and need slight description. Nearly all 

 of the pictures have been exhibited at Burlington House at various 

 times. Dr. Waagen remarks in his book when speaking of 

 Kingston Lacy " I know no other collection in England containing 

 so many valuable Spanish pictures." One room, decorated with 

 old Cordova leather, is entirely filled with the works of this school, 

 and is called the Golden Room. Amongst the more remarkable 

 pictures is the portrait of the Marchesa Spinola by Rubens, 



