I recently had the opportunity to visit Bushy House - a striking building in Bushy Park. When Nordic Walking in the park, we pass it often, and walkers are usually curious as to its history and purpose.
Originally built for Edward Proger, as reward for his support for Charles II, it was the palatial house of the Keeper or Ranger of Bushy Park.
 |
| The Orangery at Bushy House |
Bushy House is owned by NPL, used as conference centre and has small museum.
 |
| The Orangery |
It has been the home of minor and major royalty down the years, including a Prime Minister (Lord North) and the heir to the French Bourbon monarchy.
 |
| Bushy House gardens |
But it's probably most associated with the Duke of Clarence or William IV as he was to become. Known as the "Sailor King", he made Bushy House has family home and, with the actress Mrs Dorothy Jordan, had 10 illegitimate children here. No papparazi in 1790!
 |
| Temple to Horatio Nelson |
However, before ascending to the throne he separated from Mrs Jordan and married Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen. It's rumoured that money was the motive for the marriage, and some of the children continued to enjoy royal patronage, but Mrs Jordan died penniless
 |
| View from Bushy House to Bushy Park |
|
Signpost to new Bushy Park car park at NPL |
On the death of his father, George IV, on 26 June 1830, it's reputed that William when told of the news that he was now king, replied that he was going back to bed, as he'd never slept with a Queen!
By the way, that photo also shows the way to a new car park for Bushy Park. It is approached through the main NPL gates off Queens Road Teddington.
References -
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bushy_House
http://www.npl.co.uk/history
http://www.fbhp.org.uk/
http://www.fbhp.org.uk/
If you would like to learn more about Bushy House, Bushy Park or Nordic Walking, please do get in touch. Keeping fit can be fun!
Peter
07703-404-931
No comments:
Post a Comment