Argyll House: A London Chronicle
An academic exploration of a historic London residence, tracing its lineage from Scottish nobility to influential political figures and its eventual transformation.
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Overview
Prime London Location
Argyll House was a significant historic residence situated in London, positioned just south of Oxford Street, on the site now occupied by Argyll Street. Initially serving as the London townhouse for the esteemed Dukes of Argyll, a prominent Scottish noble family, it later underwent considerable redevelopment. Following this, it became associated with the nineteenth-century politician, Lord Aberdeen, signifying its transition through different eras of influence and ownership.
Architectural Significance
While the original designer remains unknown, the house's transformation under Lord Aberdeen involved the architect William Wilkins, who rebuilt it in the fashionable Greek Revival style. This architectural shift marked a significant period in its history, reflecting the prevailing aesthetic tastes of the era and contributing to its status as a notable London landmark before its eventual demolition.
A Note on Nomenclature
It is important to distinguish this Argyll House from another property of the same name located in Chelsea. That residence, known as 213 and 215 King's Road, is a separate historical entity. This document focuses exclusively on the Argyll House situated near Oxford Street, detailing its unique history and associations.
The Argyll Family Connection
Early Acquisition and Development
The connection of the Dukes of Argyll to this locale began in 1706 when John Campbell, the 2nd Duke, acquired a property that served as his London residence, complementing his estate at Sudbrook Park in Surrey. A figure of considerable historical note, he played a pivotal role in the Act of Union and the 1715 Jacobite Rising. He subsequently expanded his landholdings in the area, eventually dedicating them to the development of new streets and residences, including the new Argyll Street and the adjoining Little Argyll Street.[1]
Archibald Campbell's Residence
Following John Campbell's lead, his younger brother, Archibald Campbell, constructed his own residence nearby. This house would later become known as Argyll House. Although the specific architect is not definitively recorded, it is plausible that James Gibbs, who was involved in the broader development of Argyll Street for the family, may have contributed to the exterior design of Archibald's house.[2]
Generational Succession and Noteworthy Residents
Archibald Campbell succeeded his brother as the third Duke in 1743, inheriting the properties. The residence passed through subsequent generations of Dukes. Notably, Lady Charlotte Bury, daughter of John Campbell, the 5th Duke, was born at Argyll House in 1775.[3] In contrast, Harriette Wilson, a mistress of the Sixth Duke, described the house rather unflatteringly as a "dismal chateau," offering a glimpse into differing perceptions of the residence.[1]
Lord Aberdeen's Residence
Greek Revival Transformation
In 1808, George Hamilton-Gordon, the 4th Earl of Aberdeen, acquired Argyll House, making it his primary London residence for the remainder of his life. A significant undertaking followed as Aberdeen commissioned the architect William Wilkins to rebuild the house at considerable expense. Wilkins redesigned the residence in the highly fashionable Greek Revival style, a process that was completed by 1811, imbuing the house with a new architectural identity.[4]
A Hub for Diplomacy and Politics
Argyll House served as a significant venue for political and diplomatic affairs. In 1814, during the visit of the Allied sovereigns to England, Klemens von Metternich, the Austrian foreign minister, was hosted at the house at the invitation of Aberdeen, who had recently served as British Ambassador to Austria.[5][6] The Duke of Wellington also expressed interest in purchasing the property, though he ultimately acquired Apsley House instead.[7] The house remained a crucial political location; during Aberdeen's service as Foreign Secretary in Wellington's government, cabinet meetings were convened there.[8] Later, when Aberdeen himself became Prime Minister in 1852, the initial meeting of his own cabinet was held over dinner at Argyll House.[9]
Demolition and Lasting Echoes
Despite significant alterations to the surrounding area due to the construction of Regent Street in the 1820s, Argyll House itself was not redeveloped at that time. However, Lord Aberdeen died at Argyll House in 1860, and the house was subsequently demolished a few years later. Echoes of its historical presence remain: part of the site was later occupied by the renowned London Palladium theatre. Furthermore, further north on Argyll Street, adjacent to the Oxford Circus tube station, stands the Argyll Arms pub, a lasting commemoration of the historical association with the Dukes of Argyll.
Study Resources
Key Historical Figures
Understanding Argyll House involves recognizing the key individuals associated with it:
- John Campbell, 2nd Duke of Argyll: Initiated the family's connection with the area in 1706.
- Archibald Campbell, 3rd Duke of Argyll: Built his residence nearby, which became known as Argyll House.
- Lady Charlotte Bury: Daughter of the 5th Duke, born at the house in 1775.
- George Hamilton-Gordon, 4th Earl of Aberdeen: Acquired the house in 1808 and commissioned its rebuilding; later served as Prime Minister.
- William Wilkins: Architect responsible for the Greek Revival reconstruction.
- Klemens von Metternich: Austrian Foreign Minister who resided there during diplomatic visits.
Architectural Evolution
The house's architectural journey is notable:
- Original Structure: Built by Archibald Campbell, potentially with exterior contributions from James Gibbs.
- Greek Revival Reconstruction: Commissioned by Lord Aberdeen and executed by William Wilkins around 1811, transforming its appearance.
- Demolition: Occurred a few years after Lord Aberdeen's death in 1860.
Geographical Context
The location of Argyll House is central to its historical narrative:
- Initial Site: South of Oxford Street, on the alignment of present-day Argyll Street.
- Surrounding Developments: Notable for its proximity to Oxford Street and the later construction of Regent Street, which significantly altered the urban landscape.
- Modern Echoes: The site is now associated with the London Palladium theatre, and the Argyll Arms pub nearby commemorates the historical link to the Dukes.
Enduring Legacy
A Chronicle of Influence
Argyll House stands as a testament to London's evolving urban landscape and the shifting tides of influence among its prominent families and political figures. From its origins as the London seat of the powerful Dukes of Argyll to its later role as the residence of a future Prime Minister, Lord Aberdeen, the house witnessed significant historical moments. Its transformation under William Wilkins into a Greek Revival masterpiece underscores the architectural trends of the period, while its eventual demolition marks the inevitable progression of urban development.
Commemoration and Continuity
Though the physical structure of Argyll House is no longer present, its legacy endures through its geographical and cultural markers. The very street namesโArgyll Street and Little Argyll Streetโperpetuate the association with the ducal family. The site's subsequent use for the London Palladium theatre signifies a continuation of public and cultural significance. Furthermore, the Argyll Arms pub, located nearby, serves as a tangible reminder of the historical ties to the Dukes of Argyll, ensuring that the name and its associated history are not forgotten.
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Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date. Historical interpretations and architectural details are presented as derived from the source material.
This is not professional historical or architectural advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consultation with qualified historians, architectural experts, or urban planners. Always consult with professionals for specific historical research, architectural assessments, or property development inquiries. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.
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