Althorp
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- See also Althorpe, Lincolnshire.
Althorp (generally pronounced "all-thorp", though the historical and long-time Spencer family pronunciation is "áwl-trop" ) is a country estate and stately home in Northamptonshire, England, located roughly 5 miles (8 km) north-west of the county town Northampton. It has been the ancestral home of the Spencer family since the early 16th century and is currently owned by Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer.
The house was originally a red brick Tudor building but its appearance was radically altered in the 18th century when the famous architect Henry Holland was commissioned to make extensive changes. The interior of the house is generally considered its strongest asset as the Spencer family has assembled an impressive collection of portrait art including several pieces painted by the Flemish master Anthony van Dyck. The estate stable block has been converted into an exhibition devoted to the memory of Diana, Princess of Wales and provides an attractive sandstone setting that effectively offsets the imposing facade of the house.
Diana, Princess of Wales is buried on a small island in the middle of a lake on the estate, although some conspiracy theorists believe she is in fact buried at Great Brington church.[citation needed]
The estate and house are open to the public during the summer months (July 1 to September 30 in 2004), apart from August 31, the anniversary of Diana's death. All profits made are donated to the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. The estate was first opened to the public in 1953, by the 7th Earl Spencer, to mitigate against taxation.
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