WADDESDON TIMELINE

1874
The Waddesdon Estate - then only a bare hill set in open farmland - is purchased by Ferdinand de Rothschild from the Duke of Marlborough.

1880
Building begins almost immediately and in 1880 Ferdinand welcomes his first guests to the Bachelors' Wing.

1883
First house party in the main house.

1890
Queen Victoria visits.

1898
The death of Baron Ferdinand. Waddesdon Manor is inherited by Alice, his unmarried younger sister.

1922
The death of Alice. Waddesdon is inherited by James and Dorothy de Rothschild, son and daughter-in-law of Alice's favourite niece Adelheid.

1934-45
Second World War. Waddesdon is used as a refuge for evacuee children from Croydon.

1957
The death of James. Waddesdon Manor is bequeathed to The National Trust.

1959
Waddesdon Manor opens to the public for the first time.

1984
Dorothy begins the Centenary Restoration.

1988
The death of Dorothy. The present Lord Rothschild (Jacob) inherits the Waddesdon Estate and assumes management of Waddesdon Manor.

1990
The Manor closes for complete refurbishment.

1994-5
The Manor reopens. The Wine Cellars open for the first time.

2005 onwards
New features and acquisitions are added to the Collection and the Gardens.   Restoration, conservation and exhibitions continue to the present day.