Spanish Library

In the 1840s Sir Charles Barry transformed this room from a Breakfast Room into a library. He lined the doors with fake book cases so one could completely envelope oneself with books.  Below the ceiling is a wall-covering of 17^th- century Spanish leather (embossed and gilded leather imported from the Netherlands) put there by the 6^th Earl to hide the heavy paintwork underneath it. 

The large portrait is of Edward Lascelles, the half-brother of Edwin’s father Henry, shows his role as Collector of Customs for Bridgetown – an incredibly powerful position.  Before 1706 the eldest Lascelles son, George, was based in Barbados working as a sugar merchant.  Prior to 1712 his brother Henry had joined him there, followed in 1720 by Edward.  Over the next few decades they amassed a large family fortune through working as sugar merchants, money lenders, slave traders, and plantation owners. 

The Lascelles family were not unusual at this time in being involved in the slave trade as many merchants and members of the aristocracy had financial and trading interests in the West Indies. 

Harewood House Trust has been particularly active in encouraging research and education projects about this significant part of its own and this country’s history.  For more information visit our Learn pages.