Mansion

A mansion is a large and stately dwelling house. The word itself derives (through Old French) from the Latin word mansus the past participle of manere "to dwell". The English word "manse" originally defined a property large enough for the parish priest to maintain himself, but a mansion is no longer self-sustaining in this way (compare a Roman or medieval villa). 'Manor' comes from the same root— territorial holdings granted to a lord who would remain there— hence it is easy to see how the word 'Mansion' came to have its meaning.

Defining a mansion

In Europe mansions are often given various titles, hinting at their origins - castle, palace, manor, towers, and grange to name but a few. Some such as Sir John Vanbrugh's Castle Howard and Edwin Lutyens's Castle Drogo were built centuries after the last real castle was considered necessary. The term 'palace' in England is reserved to a mansion which is the London residence of a member of the Royal Family or an episcopal seat in a cathedral city. One exception is the great country house Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire. In The Netherlands a palace is always connected to a member of the royal family. In the rest of Europe however a palace can be just a medium sized town mansion owned by anybody. In London, Mansion House is the official residence of the Lord Mayor.

Related Topics:
Europe - Palace - Manor - Tower - Grange - John Vanbrugh - Castle Howard - Edwin Lutyens - Castle Drogo - London - Royal Family - Episcopal - Cathedral - Blenheim Palace - Oxfordshire - Lord Mayor

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There is no strict definition of how many rooms a house has to have before it can be termed a mansion. Until the mid 20th century the European mansion would often have a hall, two or three salons or drawing rooms, library, billiards room, ball room, dining room, breakfast room, morning room, study and numerous bedrooms. Until the middle of the last century European mansions were often short of bathrooms, often only two or three in a house of 20 plus bedrooms. In addition to the principal bedrooms would be far more for the staff usually on the uppermost or attic floors.

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In Japan, a mansion is doublespeak for an apartment.

Related Topics:
Japan - Doublespeak - Apartment

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:For a discussion of the household of a mansion, see great house.

Related Topics:
Household - Great house

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