Kenwood House

Kenwood House is a fine example of the work of Robert Adam, who remodelled the place between 1764-73 and designed much of the interior. The mansion was originally built in 1616 and remodelled for William Murray, who made the pivotal court ruling in 1772 that made it illegal to own slaves in England. Kenwood House contains the Iveagh Bequest of paintings and eighteenth-century furniture. Paintings include one of Rembrandt's finest self-portraits, Vermeer's 'The Guitar Player'{I} {/I}and Gainsborough's 'Countess Howe'. The location is every bit as important - Kenwood House is set in lovely grounds at the top of Hampstead Heath.