The present house, built in the late 17th century, was remodelled in the 18th century for William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield, by Scottish architect Robert Adam, serving as a residence for the Earls of Mansfield until the 20th century. William is best remembered as the first English judge to speak out against slavery. His great- niece, Dido Belle, was the first acknowledged black member of an aristocratic family and was brought up at Kenwood.

 

The house and part of the grounds were bought from the 6th Earl of Mansfield in 1925 by Edward Guinness, 1st Earl of Iveagh, and donated to the nation in 1927. The entire estate came under ownership of the London County Council and was open to the public by the end of the 1920s.

 

The estate is Grade II* listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens. One third of the estate is a Site of Special Scientific Interest, particularly the ancient woodlands. These are home to many birds and insects and the largest Pipistrelle bat roost in London.