Anyway, where were we? Images from our visit to the hugely impressive (but temporarily part-scaffolded) Waddesdon, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England.
(Shot raw and processed using: DxO PL E/ ViewPoint, Adobe LrC/ PS with Tony Kuyper Panels and Topaz Labs Studio/ Studio 2. Compilations feature Karen - R7 and Phil - R5 II).
You can find out more about Waddesdon by clicking
Here. (Other posts featuring the interior will follow shortly).
Phil and Karen
1. In 1874 Ferdinand de Rothschild bought the 2,700-acre Waddesdon estate from the Duke of Marlborough. He built Waddesdon Manor between 1874 and 1885 to display his collection of art and to entertain his friends.
2. Waddesdon’s foundation stone was laid in 1877. Within six years, the bare hill had become a grand estate. Workmen excavated drives, foundations, and terraces, while building materials were delivered by train and hauled up the hill by trams.
3. Waddesdon Manor was designed in the French Renaissance style by architect Gabriel Hippolyte Destailleur. The surrounding gardens and parkland were designed by landscape architect Elie Lainé, who created gardens with an aviary, farmstead, kitchen garden, and glasshouses. Local architect William Taylor added an ornamental Dairy and reshaped Waddesdon village with a reading room, hotel and village hall.
4. 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.
5. In 1890 Queen Victoria visited Waddesdon Manor, travelling through decorated streets and cheering crowds to a lavish luncheon, followed by a tour and tree planting ceremony.
6. Waddesdon has appeared in several films, including the Bond movie ‘Never Say Never Again’ and ’Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows’ along with TV series including ‘Downton Abbey’ and ‘The Crown’. It is now owned by the National Trust, but is managed on their behalf by the Rothschild Foundation, a family charitable trust. To be continued...
(Sources: National Trust, Rothschild Foundation).
www.bbc.co.uk
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