Historical figure

Thomas Wentworth, 1er comte de Strafford

1st Earl of Strafford (1711)

Thomas Wentworth (1672-1739), soldier and diplomat, 1st Earl of Strafford of the second creation, was the creator of Wentworth Castle near Barnsley. Disinherited from the Wentworth Woodhouse inheritance in 1695, in 1708 he purchased the neighbouring Stainborough estate, had an east wing in the Baroque style added—designed by Johann von Bodt, a pupil of the great architect—and elevated the sham ruin of Stainborough Castle (1726-1730), creating an extensive formal garden: a personal ‘monument’ intended to rival his cousin’s branch of the family.

Portrait of Thomas Wentworth, 1er comte de Strafford
Birth1672
Death1739, à Wentworth Castle
Role1st Earl of Strafford (1711)
HouseFamille Wentworth
EraLate Stuart / early Hanoverian
Timeline

Key moments in their life

1695

Wentworth Woodhouse passed to a cousin; he resolved to build a rival estate.

1708

Purchased the Stainborough estate from the Cutlers.

1710-1720

Construction of the east wing to designs by Johann von Bodt, overseen by Thomas Archer.

1713

Contributed to the conclusion of the Peace of Utrecht.

vers 1713-1730

Laid out the formal garden (wildernesses, Union Jack Garden).

1726-1730

Erected the sham medieval ruin of Stainborough Castle in the park.

1739

Died at Wentworth Castle; his son William inherited.

Associated heritage

Castles linked to this figure

1 place
Historical network

Linked personalities

Portrait of William Wentworth, 2e comte de Strafford
William Wentworth, 2e comte de Straffordson and heir→
Portrait of Johann von Bodt
Johann von Bodtarchitect of the east wing→
Portrait of Sir Gervase Cutler
Sir Gervase CutlerShared castle→
Explore further

Thomas Wentworth, 1er comte de Strafford in history

Purchase of the Stainborough estate

1708 · Foundation of the future Wentworth Castle.

Documentation

Sources for this entry

This summary cross-references several sources to document the places, events and historical relationships.