Photo: mym, modified by Sir Gawain / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)
About this place
Claydon House stands near Middle Claydon in Buckinghamshire, built between 1757 and 1771 for Ralph Verney, 2nd Earl Verney.
The National Trust has managed the house since the mid-twentieth century.
Its interiors are distinguished by elaborate rococo carving and chinoiserie work by Luke Lightfoot, far exceeding typical Georgian restraint.
The original design was far more ambitious, but only the west range was completed before the earl's finances were exhausted.
The house has a connection to Florence Nightingale, whose sister Parthenope married into the Verney family; Nightingale herself was a frequent visitor, and a room remains in her memory.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The house was built for Ralph Verney, 2nd Earl Verney, between 1757 and 1771, replacing an earlier Verney family seat on the same site. The original scheme was far more ambitious, with several wings planned, but only the west range seen today was completed before the earl's finances gave out.
Architecture
The interiors were carved by Luke Lightfoot, whose rococo and chinoiserie work in rooms such as the Chinese Room is considered among the most extravagant surviving in an English country house.
Worth knowing
Florence Nightingale's sister Parthenope married Sir Harry Verney of Claydon, and Nightingale herself was a frequent visitor to the house. A room is kept in her memory, holding some of her personal effects.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Aylesbury Vale Parkway Rail Station (7.5 miles)
Open Thursday to Monday; check the National Trust official website for current seasonal dates and times.
Nearby properties
Waddesdon Manor
View Waddesdon Manor on heritage mapSt Mary's Church, Fleet Marston
View St Mary's Church, Fleet Marston on heritage mapSt Michael and All Angels' Church, Thornton
View St Michael and All Angels' Church, Thornton on heritage mapStowe Park and Garden
View Stowe Park and Garden on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 10 miles of Claydon House (MK18) there are 7 historic properties, including 3 churchs, across Churches Conservation Trust, National Trust and Historic Houses sites.
Within 20 miles of Claydon House (MK18) there are 25 historic properties, including 9 churchs, 7 historic houses and 3 historic buildings, across Churches Conservation Trust, Historic Houses and National Trust sites.
Facts
Georgian restraint on the outside, riotous rococo carving within, and a quiet link to Florence Nightingale.
- Type
- historic building
- Location
- Buckinghamshire, England
Get Hidden Britain
A free weekly newsletter on Britain's overlooked historic places.