I remember vaguely several months back when the idea of my writing blogs was first raised. If I recall correctly, the subject of National Trust properties in Buckinghamshire was of interest to several. Well, I do have NT membership although it’s not much use at this time of year when many NT venues close for the winter; though many do have special Christmas and other holiday openings.

Today I thought I’d start with Hughenden Manor- the nearest NT property to my house and the one to which I have visited the most often. It’s not just the manor but of course the surrounding countryside, much of which is owned by the NT. From where I live it is possible to walk a circular route stopping off at Hughenden Manor for lunch and/or a visit to the house. The food there is delicious and served in a restaurant that adjoins the old stables. It has a lot of character, alongside the gift shop.

The manor house is well known for its famous past inhabitant; the Victorian statesman Benjamin Disraeli- probably one of the most famous prime ministers of the nineteenth century. He even appears in a book of famous historical figures I bought in America. What’s interesting to note is that Disraeli couldn’t afford to pay for the manor himself. He was not born into wealth as many senior politicians of the day were. As the leader of the conservative party, he felt he needed a country house as “it was essential to represent a county”. He needed a loan of £25,000 to pay for it!

The interior of the manor is not grand and luxurious. By that I mean it isn’t a fancy decorative show-off house like some other country estates (in Buckinghamshire examples include Waddesdon Manor, Cliveden and Stowe). Instead it’s a family home. It’s fairly small actually. Only Disraeli and his wife Mary Anne lived there as they had no children.

If you’d like to read a detailed history of the manor follow the related links I’ve added to this blog. For something a bit different I’ve also linked to YouTube and a clip from a TV series called ‘The Secret Service’ from 1969. It was made by Gerry Anderson of ‘Thunderbirds’ fame. The church featured in the clip is none other than the Church of St. Michaels and All Angels just down the hill from the manor. It’s great to see it in the 60s in colour. Somewhere in the clip is a beautiful view of the valley; please do enjoy it!

Finally a quick fact. Both Disraeli and his wife are buried in that churchyard. Protocol prevented Queen Victoria from attending Disraeli’s funeral in 1881 (Mary Anne died in 1872) but she did later return to that very same church to erect the memorial that still stands to this day. I would encourage everyone to go and take a look- the house and gardens included make a wonderful day out; fantastic proof that NT membership is well worth it.

VII © MMIX