Woburn Abbey

Woburn, Buckinghamshire, England South East

Recommendation added: 25/03/2006 18:33
By: jsimons128 (YSUK rating +136)

jsimons128 has been thanked 2 times for this contribution

"Humphrey Repton landscaped the 3000-acre deer park in the late 18th century. Nine species of deer roam here, including the Milu or Pere David deer, which were saved from extinction at Woburn. As you entered the park you will have passed the splendid range of farm buildings, designed by Robert salmon and Henry Holland, built in 1780. These incorporate the Bedford estates office and the Bloomsbury stud. The famous purple and white colours of the Bloomsbury stud have been carried with great success on racecourses around the world. To the left you will have seen the dairy, completed in 1900.
After you have driven past horse pond, shoulder of mutton pond, stew pond and basin pond, the abbey comes into full view. It is the most beautiful in the late afternoon, when the sun shines on to the west front, which was designed by Henry Flitcroft during the 18th century. Standing looking at the abbey is the life size bronze of our great mare Mrs Moss, sculpted by Phillip Blacker in 1990. I hope that you visit the Abbey. There are so many outstanding paintings, beautiful French and English furniture and the famous collection of Sevres porcelain, gold and silver, but above all it is the family home.
There are three different ways to enjoy the tour of Woburn abbey. You can follow the route around the house in your own time, asking questions of the room wardens, and referring to the legends in the rooms or the guidebook. There is also an audio tour, which provides a room-by-room narration. There is an escort warden on duty, who if available, will be delighted to take you around the house, free of charge. A truly beautiful and amazing property, you must visit this traditional building!!"