The history of Kenwood House in Hampstead goes back a long way; however, most of what is published and considered is based on the architecture of the Adams brothers, and especially Robert Adam. The original house on the property is said to have been "probably built by John Bill (1576 - 1630), the king's printer, soon after 1616. (Summerson, p.5)." Aside from a few scant references to its earlier history, most of the published material begins with the Adamses, who began and completed a renovation of the house in 1766 and 1774, respectively. Some key questions asked in this examination of Kenwood are: Why did written much about this building? And what are the factors that influence its importance of inclusion at different points in the historical record? It is my opinion that Kenwood House acquires and maintains its stature and relevance in the field of architecture, through its association with some noteworthy and influential key figures. Without the role of the first Earl of Mansfield, or the first Earl of Iveagh, Kenwood would never have become noteworthy, or would have suffered and decayed to the detriment of time. Today it is an important building both for those who owned it and lived there, and for any architectural reason. The first Earl of Mansfield, William Murray, purchased the estate in 1754. Ten years after the purchase, he then employed one of its most renowned architects to renovate and remodel the house. Much of the built structure existed before Robert and James Adams; however, the library they added became a trademark of "Adam style". Other more notable interventions were the decoration of the front facade and the addition of a classical portico. Their library over time has always r...... middle of paper...... architecture by Robert and James Adam. London, country life. 1922.Bryant, Julius. The best prospects: three historic houses, a study of London's topography. # London: English Heritage, Iveah Bequest, Kenwood. 1986.London County Council. London – Highgate investigation. London, published by London County Council. 1900Summerson, John. The Iveagh Bequest, Kenwood; a brief account of its history and architecture. London: English Heritage, Iveah Bequest, Kenwood. 1951.Swarbrick, John. Robert Adam and his brothers: their lives, their work and their influence on the decoration and furniture of English architecture. London: BT Batsford; New York: C. Scribner 1915. "Robert and James Adam - Highlights of Rare Book Collections -." National Library of Scotland. National Library of Scotland. Network. 02 March. 2010. .