The House was bought by General George Harris in 1801 with the prize money from his successful military career in India. Later, in 1815, he was created Lord Harris in recognition of his victory over Tipoo Sultan at the battle of Seringapatam. Successive Lords Harris played a prominent role in British expansion overseas throughout the 19th century. Belmont contains fabulous mementoes of the family's history and travels - fine paintings, furniture, Indian silverware and the finest and most extensive range of clocks in private hands in the country; a collection assembled by the 5th Lord. The South Bedroom contains a unique collection of water-colour paintings of the West Indies by the Trinidadian artist Michel Jean Cazabon (1813-1888). The paintings were commissioned by the 3rd Lord Harris when he was Governor of that country. The Orangery was designed as an extension the House. It is planted with orange trees in tubs, as well as palm trees and other tropical plants. In the spring and early summer the rhododendrons and hydrangeas are a riot of colour. There is a walled garden, a Kitchen Garden and pinetum with a Victorian Shell Grotto. |