GARDEN HISTORY

When Baron Ferdinand bought Waddesdon estate in 1874, the central hill was mostly farmland with few trees.

Over ten years a transformation took place; the crown of the hill was levelled and mature trees planted. Drives and banks were created, formal gardens planted and decorated with sculpture.

In 1957 the property was bequeathed to the National Trust, but by this time the famous formal Parterre on the south side had been partly grassed over and much of the garden reduced in size. In 1990 Lord Rothschild initiated an extensive restoration programme.