As a result of requests in the returns in our Annual Members Questionnaire, Teston
Tours has arranged a coach outing to Waddesdon Manor, near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.
Waddesdon Manor was built during in the 1870’s for Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild
to house his superb collection of 18th century art treasures. A French Renaissance-style
chateau, it has one of the finest Victorian Gardens in Britain. There is just so
much to see and enjoy during our visit, I have included admission for a self guided
tour of the Waddesdon Manor House, explore the various Gardens, Avairy, Stables,
Plant Centre, Shops, Restaurants and Cafes. Our visit is planned during the two week
tulip festival. There is so much to enjoy at Waddesdon Manor it makes a perfect Spring
outing. I have included afternoon tea during our time at Waddesdon Manor. So you
can see there is something for everyone during our visit.
on Wednesday 25th April 2012
Our coach will depart from
Teston Village Hall at 8.30 am.,
and
The Wateringbury Hotel 8.35 am.
Returning to the Villages about 8 pm.
History of Waddesdon Manor:-The Rothschild banking dynasty was immensely powerful
in 19th century Europe. From roots in the Jewish ghetto in Frankfurt, Mayer Amschel's
five sons set up a banking network in the then five major financial centres of Europe
- London, Frankfurt, Paris, Naples and Vienna. The Five Arrows, as they became known,
created vast wealth and established themselves at the very peak of European society.
Waddesdon Manor was built (1874-1889) by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild to display
his outstanding collection of art treasures and to entertain the fashionable world.
Fascinated by the history and culture of France, he commissioned a French architect,
Gabriel Hippolyte Destailleur, to build him a Renaissance-style chateau, based on
those in the Loire Valley, and employed a French garden designer, Elie Lainé to lay
out the grounds. Like other members of his family he wanted a retreat outside London
and chose Buckinghamshire because several of his cousins already had houses there
(it was known as "Rothschildshire" in the late 19th century). The Manor was only
used for weekends in the summer months, for Ferdinand's famous house parties, and
was the last word in luxury with electric lights, lifts and under-floor heating.
Single or unaccompanied male friends stayed in the Bachelors' Wing, complete with
Billiard and Smoking Rooms. Couples stayed in one of the 9 suites in the Main house.
After Ferdinand's death in 1898, the pace of entertaining slackened, but his sister
and heir, Miss Alice, maintained the house, collection and grounds to impeccable
standards. James and Dorothy de Rothschild, who inherited in 1922, did not add to
the collection until the death of James' father Baron Edmond, at which point a third
of the Barons collection arrived, including over 2000 18th century drawings. James'
main interest was horse racing and he built the stud at Waddesdon. The war years
brought a different emphasis to the Manor, and following James' death in 1957, it
was bequeathed to the National Trust and opened to the public, with Dorothy in charge
of management. Now, the Manor is run by a family charitable trust chaired by the
present Lord Rothschild. The Collection continues to grow, new features and displays
are added to both House and Gardens.Almost 300,000 visitors were welcomed to Waddesdon
Manor last year.
Included in the price:-
- Travel by Scotland & Bates coach with on board drinks and washroom facilities
- Allocated seat on our coach
- Comfort stop(s) as required during our journey to and from Buckinghamshire
- Admission to Waddesdon Manor House
- Free time to visit the Tulip Festival and explore the gardens
- Afternoon tea in the Manor Restaurant
- Teston Tours unique “All inclusive” experience
- Outing is exclusive to Teston Tours
- Escorted throughout by a Teston Tours courier
Cost:- £58.00p per person.
lf you are interested in this coach outing to Waddesdon Manor, can you book your
place as soon as possible to avoid disappointment and pay a non returnable deposit,
(unless the coach is full and a replacement person is found), of £25.00p per person,
to Teston Post Office, or directly to me at 3 Fairlawn Close, Teston, at the time
of booking, with full payment by Friday 30th March 2012.
CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO ALAN HAYES.
Teston Tours reserves the right to refuse patronage on any of its outings.
For further information please email alan@testontours.co.uk
or telephone (01622) 812132 or mobile 07977 417902.
Alan Hayes, Teston Tours, Group Travel Organiser,
3 Fairlawn Close, Teston, Maidstone, ME18 5AX.
