Earlier Houses: There were at least two earlier houses on, or near, the site of the current house.

Built / Designed For: Sir Robert Worsley, 4th Bt.

House & Family History: Appuldurcombe was once the grandest house on the Isle of Wight. In 1855 the house was sold and served as a hotel and, later, as a boys' school. In the 20th century Appuldurcombe was home to Benedictine monks from 1901 until 1907​​; troops were stationed here during both world wars. On February 7, 1943, a Luftwaffe mine dropped near Appuldurcombe House collapsed the roof and blew out the windows. The house was not repaired; after the war, the interiors were stripped and sold. Appuldurcombe House is today largely a shell, though the 18th century east facade has been restored.

Collections: Appuldurcombe once contained, in the library, a set of eight armchairs in a Greek-inspired pattern, each of the top-rails being centered in a small Etruscan Wedgwood portrait medallion depicting a writer. Sir Richard Worsley (1751-1805) of Appuldurcombe was British ambassador in Venice in the late 18th century; in that role he was Sir William Hamilton's diplomatic counterpart in Venice (Hamilton was ambassador to Naples). Sir Richard purchased most of Sir William's second collection of antique gems circa 1791 and subsequently published "Museum Worsleyanum" 1798-1802. This folio publication illustrated not only Sir Richard's collection of antique gems, but also other antiquities, including drawings of the sculptures of the Parthenon by William Pars. The text, in English and Italian, was largely written by E.Q. Visconti (1751-1818). Sir Richard died in 1805 and his collection, together with the house (Appuldurcombe) and all its contents, was inherited by his niece, Henrietta Simpson. Miss Simpson later married the 1st Earl of Yarborough, and, through her, Sir Richard's collection came to Brocklesby Park in Lincolnshire, the Yarborough family seat. At Brocklesby Sir Richard's collection of antique gems was joined by antiquities previously collected by the 1st Baron Yarborough. Virtually all of the antique gems have been sold from Brocklesby.

Comments: Appuldurcombe is considered one of the most important houses of the English Baroque style.

Garden & Outbuildings: Capability Brown landscaped the park.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Sir Robert Worsley, 4th Bt., 1703-47; Sir James Worsley, 5th Bt., 1747-56; Sir Thomas Worsley, 6th Bt., 1756-68; Sir Richard Worsley, 7th Bt., 1768-1805; Sir Henry Worsley-Holmes, 8th Bt., 1805-11; Sir Leonard Thomas Worsley-Holmes, 9th Bt., 1811-25. Charles Anderson-Pelham, 1st Earl of Yarborough, 1825-46.

Current Ownership Type: English Heritage

Primary Current Ownership Use: Visitor Attraction

House Open to Public: Yes

Phone: 01983-852-484

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.english-heritage.org.uk

Historic Houses Member: No