My Britain   
     
Historic House Locator
ATTRACTIONS
Abbeys
Museums
Ancient Sites
Castles
Cathedrals
Gardens
Heritage Railways
Historic Houses
Palaces
National Parks
Royal Residences
Spas
Theme Parks
Wildlife
World Heritage
 
 
 
 
 

Woburn Abbey.

"John Russell, the first Earl of Bedford, was sprung from an old Norman family, well established in the West Country at the commencement of the thirteenth century. In 1506, when the Archduke Philip was cast by a storm upon the English coast in the neighbourhood of Weymouth, John Russell, who was then residing in Dorsetshire, was sent for by his uncle, Sir Thomas Trenchard, then Governor of the Coast, to assist in the entertainment of the illustrious visitor. No time was lost in informing the King (Henry VII.) of the arrival of so important a foreign prince in England. King Henry invited Philip to Windsor, and the Archduke took Russell with him and spoke warmly to the King of his talents and character. Thereafter his rise was rapid and steady, Henry VII. making him a Gentleman of the Privy Chamber. Henry VIII. held Russell in high esteem, and employed him on all his most important diplomatic negotiations. He was continually abroad, accompanying King Henry on all his French wars, and was sent by him to Geneva, Rome, Naples, Milan, and Venice. He lost an eye by an arrow at the siege of Morlaix, took part in the battle of Pavia, and was present at the Field of the Cloth of Gold. In 1547 some eight years before his death, Edward VI. granted him, in addition to lands previously conferred by Henry VIII. in France, the Cistercian Abbey of Woburn, 1 and in 1549 the Abbey of Thorney." Extract from "A great agricultural estate" (Open Library)

Address:
Woburn Abbey,
Woburn Park,
Bedfordshire MK17 9WA
Website: www.woburn.co.uk

Some of the best historic houses......

England: Chatsworth House
 
England: Blenheim Palace
 
England: Shakespeare's Birthplace
 
Scotland: Robert Burns Birthplace
 
Wales: Portmeirion

Recommended ......

Read: The Real Life Downton Abbey: How Life Was Really Lived in Stately Homes a Century Ago

Read: Stately Passions: The Scandals of Britain's Great Houses

Read: The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Royal Britain: A magnificent study of Britain's royal and historic heritage with a directory of royalty and over 120 of the most important buildings

Read: Houses of the National Trust

Read: Gardens of the National Trust

Thomas Pink: Perfect Gifts For Holiday