Beck Lodge owners were treated to a talk about the history of Cliveden House in Buckingham by fellow owner, Annette Scudamore. Annette spent many years as a volunteer at Cliveden House, giving tours and history talks to visitors, prior to relocating to Park Gate to live nearer to family. Annette also brought along books and postcards to support the presentation which everyone enjoyed the opportunity to see.
Cliveden House, a National Trust Site since 1942, was once home to dukes, earls and viscounts and hosted exclusive parties and political gatherings for generations. A hospital was built in the grounds prior to the start of the First World War and there is now a Memorial Garden on the estate to those that lost their lives.
Cliveden is said to have ‘a history peppered with scandal, intrigue and controversy’, and has many stories to tell. Once home to Nancy and Waldorf Astor, Cliveden became famous as an entertainment hub for famous and glamorous guests, including the likes of Winston Churchill, Lloyd George, Ghandi and Henry Ford.
Annette was able to share her inside knowledge and tell one or two stories about the history of Cliveden, including how it was linked to the Profumo/Christine Keeler Affair in 1963.
Everyone who attended enjoyed the talk and felt it was very informative, with one Owner commenting: “Annette gave a very good and well-prepared talk – it was very interesting.”