A dark and uneven passage leads to one of the most unexpected sights of any historic house - the Unfinished Wing. An uncompleted structure from about 1690, it is probably unique. To the architect and the layman the construction techniques are especially interesting, as are the size of the timbers and the ingenuity of the placing of the rainwater downpipes internally to avoid disfigurement of the classical lines outside.

Housed inside the Unfinished Wing are a number of interesting items, most notably the rare
Chinese style summer house: made in London of oilskin, it was purchased by Duke John on the 29th November 1745 from Samuel Smith. The travelling trunks were used by Duke Ralph whilst on Ambassadorial duties.

The Chinese Screen Press release (PDF, 471kb) (opens new window) - is also on display in the Unfinished Wing.

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