Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild (1839-1898) was from one of the most affluent banking families of the 19th century. He owned castles and palaces across Europe and was a collector of fine and decorative art. Baron engaged a French Architect for the construction of Waddesdon Manor, a French Renaissance-style chateaux, primarily for the entertainment of his friends and to house his outstanding 19th century collection that, it has been said, “would be the envy of any of today’s museums.”
The foundation for Waddesdon Manor was laid in 1877 and the Manor was eventually completed in 1891. It was closed from 1990-1994 for extensive interior and exterior restoration, with special care and attention given to the three dimensional garden that was, purported by some documents, created by his sister Alice (1847-1922).
The Manor, which sits on 165 acres of garden and park, was bequeathed to The National Trust in 1975, along with a large endowment for its maintenance.
During World War II, Waddesdon Manor was used as a safe shelter for children under five years old.
Today the Manor, which is 40 miles from London, is open to the public for tours and includes other attractions like shops, restaurants and a playground. It is the third most visited National Trust Property in England.
Photos courtesy of Tourism South East www.visitsoutheastengland.com
