Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire: Grade 1 Listed National Trust Gem
Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire is one of the National Trust's most visited properties.
The magnificent structure was built by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in 1874 to entertain the fashionable world and to house his collection of fine art.
As the manor and estate have passed through three generations of the Rothchild family, the contents of the house have expanded to become one of the most rare and valuable collections in the world.
During the 19th century, the Rothschilds played a crucial role in financing major infrastructure projects, such as railways and industrial enterprises, across Europe.
They also acted as advisors to governments and monarchs, exerting considerable political influence behind the scenes.
The foundation stone for Waddesdon Manor was laid in 1877.
Ferdinand wanted the exterior of the house to be in the style of the French Renaissance châteaux of the Loire valley and engaged a French architect, Gabriel-Hippolyte Destailleur.
Loath to build on a palatial scale, Ferdinand, nevertheless, found that he needed to add a wing nearly half the length of the original house to the west end.
In 1883, the completion of the house was celebrated with the first of many house parties.
Running water and central heating were provided from the start and electricity was introduced in 1889.
Ferdinand put in a small passenger lift for Queen Victoria’s visit in 1890 (on view in the Powerhouse), but she declined to ride in it, not trusting in the magic of electricity.
Very little changed until the Second World War when the rooms were emptied to accommodate 100 children evacuated from London, the first and only time that children lived in the house.
When Baron Ferdinand died in 1898, the house passed to his sister Alice de Rothschild.
She saw Waddesdon as a memorial for her brother and was committed to preserving it.
She did add significant items to the collection, particularly furniture and carpets with French royal provenances, Meissen porcelain, textiles and armour.
Today, Waddesdon Manor is managed by the Rothschild Foundation (charitable trust) on behalf of the National Trust.
National Trust members have free admission to the gardens and house but must pre-book house tickets online.
Collections
Once his château was complete, Baron Ferdinand installed his extensive collections of English 18th-century portraits by artists like Gainsborough and Reynolds.
Works were acquired for their exquisite quality and fine provenance, particularly those belonging to French royalty of the Ancien Regime.
One of the highlights of the collection is the extraordinary musical automaton elephant, dating from 1774 and made by the French clockmaker H Martinet.
Of the ten surviving examples of the Sevres pourri vase in the shape of a ship from the 1760s, three are at Waddesdon, including one with a very rare scene of a battle connected to the Seven Years’ War.
The Wine Cellars, meanwhile, were created during the Centenary Restoration and opened in 1994.
They are modelled on the private cellars at Chateau Lafite Rothschild.
More than 15,000 bottles are stored in the Cellars, some 150 years old, the majority from the Chateaue Rothschild estates.
It is the largest private collection of Rothschild wines in the world - there are also wine labels designed by artists such as Andy Warhol.
Gardens
Baron Ferdinand wanted a garden to entertain his guests during his weekend house parties.
Altogether, the creation of his garden cost £153,000, which (in terms of average wages then and now) equates to £68.8 million.
As part of the 1990s restoration, Beth Rothschild led a team re-introducing Ferdinand's colour scheme of trees, shrubs and bedding plants.
The carpet bedding is now designed on computer allowing the schemes to be quickly installed. The patterns change each year to reflect different themes.
The gardens are listed Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens.
Someone who recently visited the manor said: “I could have spent hours wandering around this gorgeous house full of beautiful things, very reminiscent of a French chateau.
”Beautiful furniture, ceramics, paintings and much more - a feast for the eyes. Plenty of grounds to wander in and an interesting aviary.”
Another person added “I took two days to enjoy it completely. Some things book up early so reserve a few days or week before.
”More rooms than you can believe you have access to. Nice gift shop. Wear good shoes lots of walking. Stairs and inclines on walk ways.”
The Rothschild family
The Rothschild family is one of the most famous and influential banking dynasties in history.
In the 19th century, they reached the pinnacle of their power and wealth, establishing themselves as one of the primary financial forces in Europe.
The family's rise to prominence began with Mayer Amschel Rothschild (1744–1812) in Frankfurt, Germany.
He started a banking business in the late 18th century, which grew rapidly due to his astute financial skills and connections.
Mayer Amschel had five sons: Amschel Mayer (1773–1855), Salomon Mayer (1774–1855), Nathan Mayer (1777–1836), Karl Mayer (1788–1855), and James Mayer (1792–1868).
Each of them was sent to establish banking businesses in different major European cities, including London, Paris, Vienna, and Naples, thus laying the foundation for the family's international banking network.
One of the key strategies that contributed to the Rothschild family's success was their ability to effectively manage and transport money across Europe, particularly during times of war when they acted as financial intermediaries for various governments.
Their network of couriers and carrier pigeons allowed them to receive and disseminate information faster than their competitors, giving them a significant advantage in the financial markets.
During the 19th century, the Rothschilds played a crucial role in financing major infrastructure projects, such as railways and industrial enterprises, across Europe.
They also acted as advisors to governments and monarchs, exerting considerable political influence behind the scenes.
In addition to their financial activities, the Rothschilds became known for their philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes and cultural institutions.
Their wealth and influence made them a subject of fascination and conspiracy theories, with some attributing almost mythical powers to the family.
By the end of the 19th century, the Rothschild family had amassed immense wealth and power, solidifying their status as one of the wealthiest and most influential families in Europe.
Although their influence waned somewhat in the 20th century, they continue to be prominent figures in finance and philanthropy to this day.
If you’d like to visit this manor in Buckinghamshire, the address is: Waddesdon, Aylesbury HP18 0JH.
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