Photo: Woburn Abbey by Unknown author, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
About this place
Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire has been the seat of the Dukes of Bedford for several centuries, built on the site of a Cistercian monastery dissolved under Henry VIII.
The Russell family have held the estate since the sixteenth century, and the current house was developed substantially during the eighteenth century.
It holds one of the more significant private art collections in England and sits within an extensive deer park.
The estate is also home to a safari park, which operates as a separate visitor attraction alongside the house.
Read more on WikipediaHistory
The site was originally a Cistercian monastery, dissolved under Henry VIII in the sixteenth century. The estate subsequently passed to the Russell family, who became Dukes of Bedford and have held it ever since. The current house replaced earlier structures on the site and was developed significantly during the eighteenth century.
Architecture
The house is a substantial Palladian structure, though the precise architect and dates of the main building phases are not confirmed by the sources available for this entry.
Worth knowing
The thirteenth Duke of Bedford opened Woburn to the public in 1955, an early and influential example of a British aristocratic family commercialising a historic estate to meet rising maintenance costs.
Gardens & grounds
The grounds include a deer park and extensive parkland, which form a significant part of the visitor experience.
Facilities
Plan your visit
Nearest station: Ridgmont Rail Station (3 miles)
Open on specified days to visitors; check the official website for current opening dates as the Abbey has been undergoing a major refurbishment programme.
Nearby properties
St Mary's Church, Potsgrove
View St Mary's Church, Potsgrove on heritage mapDe Grey Mausoleum
View De Grey Mausoleum on heritage mapHoughton House
View Houghton House on heritage mapSt Lawrence's Church, Broughton
View St Lawrence's Church, Broughton on heritage mapAscott House
View Ascott House on heritage mapHistoric places nearby
Within 5 miles of Woburn Abbey there are 1 historic properties, including 1 church.
Within 10 miles of Woburn Abbey there are 8 historic properties, including 4 historic buildings and 3 churchs, across Churches Conservation Trust, English Heritage and National Trust sites.
Within 20 miles of Woburn Abbey there are 34 historic properties, including 12 historic buildings, 10 churchs and 7 historic houses, across Churches Conservation Trust, National Trust and English Heritage sites.
Facts
A private ducal seat still in the Russell family, with one of England's largest collections of art under one roof.
- Type
- historic house
- Location
- Bedfordshire, England
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