1

Does an English country house count as a palace? Looking at dictionary.com they provided the following definition for palace:

  1. the official residence of a king, queen, bishop, or other sovereign or exalted personage.
  2. a large and stately mansion or building.
  3. a large and usually ornate place for entertainment, exhibitions, etc.

An English country house is not necessarily the residence of nobility, so the first definition does not fit. Two and three do fit. Can anyone clear this up for me?

Improve this question
5
  • Did you do any searching before posting the question? The answer is right here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace#United_Kingdom
    – Waggers
    Nov 9, 2011 at 8:53
  • Yes, I did. It was solely on country homes though.
    – Beaker
    Nov 9, 2011 at 9:02
  • I see. But your question seems to be what makes a palace a palace? so I'm surprised you didn't search on palaces too. Not to worry though, it's still an interesting question!
    – Waggers
    Nov 9, 2011 at 9:04
  • Only as far as a definition went. I found a number of them. For instance, I found "a structure attempting to imitate a royal residence." Which is a rather poor definition, but I get which direction it is heading. Another definition clearly states it must BE a palace. The definition of a palace is only material to me in the sense that I am trying to define if a country house can be considered a palace.
    – Beaker
    Nov 9, 2011 at 9:09
  • Just as a general comment: you should define in which context will your term be used; according to the ref. you provided several overlapping meanings are attached to the word; you are free to use any of them. The interpretation will be given, by your audience, according to context.
    – Unreason
    Nov 9, 2011 at 10:43

2 Answers 2

Reset to default
3

At its most basic, an English country house is (surprise, surprise) a house that is built in the English countryside. In practice, it ususally describes a large, often a very large, house situated in many acres of its own land. Typically, it will be of significant historical and architectural interest. Its owners will normally be very rich and, in many cases, members of the British aristocracy. If you have seen the recent British television series 'Downton Abbey', you will have seen an English country house. (It is actually Highclere Castle, in the southern English county of Hampshire.)

After World War II, many families found they were unable to afford the upkeep of their properties and handed them over to the National Trust. These properties are now open to the public.

Improve this answer
3

From Wikipedia:

In the United Kingdom, by tacit agreement, there have been no "palaces" other than those used as official residences by royalty and bishops, regardless of whether located in town or country.

In other words, an English country house is a palace if and only if it has been used as an official residence by royalty and/or bishops.

Improve this answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.