Module manager: Dr Kerry Bristol
Email: k.a.c.bristol@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: 1 Jul to 31 Aug View Timetable
Year running 2025/26
GPA of 2.5 (US) or equivalent and enrolled at a university
This module is not approved as a discovery module
On completion of this module, students should be able to undertake a critical analysis of visual and textual documentation relating to the history of the country house in England between the Tudor era and the present day.
Students should be able to:
• identify who built country houses, when and why
• understand how the 'upstairs' and 'downstairs' realms functioned
• understand how patrons, architects/designers and craftsmen interacted
With critical engagement suitable for a summer school module, students should be able to:
1. assess when, why and by whom country houses were built
2. evaluate the relationship between the country house and its estate
3. demonstrate visual literacy through the identification of key country houses
4. critique the relationship between masters/mistresses and servants in the country house and how planning reflects social hierarchies
appraise the development of the architectural profession.
On successful completion of the module students should be able to demonstrate the following skills learning outcomes:
6. Research: the ability to access and investigate a variety of sources of information on a subject, in order to provide answers or solutions, expand or provide new knowledge of a topic or subject
7. Critical thinking: the ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
8. Presentation: the ability to communicate on a pre-prepared topic in an accessible manner, considering the needs of the specific audience. For example, oral or visual presentations to a variety of audiences.
Country houses (stately homes) are one of Britain’s greatest contributions to world culture, but who created them and why? Have they always functioned as ‘containers’ for art collections or have they had deeper meanings and a wider social impact?
Using Yorkshire’s world-class country houses as case studies, this course will introduce you to topics such as the builders of the country house, the rise and fall of the great estates and the ‘upstairs’ lives of the men, women and children who lived in the country house and the ‘downstairs’ world of the men and women who served them.
Tutor-led visits to houses such as Hardwick Hall, Harewood House and Castle Howard are an important feature of this course.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fieldwork | 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Fieldwork | 1 | 10 | 10 |
| Fieldwork | 2 | 4 | 8 |
| Seminar | 8 | 3 | 24 |
| Independent online learning hours | 15 | ||
| Private study hours | 35 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 50 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 100 | ||
Participation in class discussion and the opportunity to complete a short piece of written work on the first house we visit. Feedback but no mark will be returned for the latter if students choose to submit.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation | Small group presentation | 10 |
| Essay | Essay | 90 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
There are no alternative resit formats.
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 03/03/2026
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team