Venue Gallery: Audley End House

Description:

Commissioned by the first Earl of Suffolk, Thomas, Audley House was constructed to entertain the reigning monarch of the time: James I. In 1825 it was inherited by the third Baron Braybrooke, who shaped the interior design to what it is at present. Populated with numerous painting and pictures, the property now house an extensive collection of art and Victoria furnishings. The successor, fourth Baron Braybrooke, added his natural history collections to the fixtures of the house, adding an air of sophistication to the general mystique of the building. During WW2 Audley End was requisitioned temporarily, after which the ninth Lord Braybrooke regained possession of it. By 1948 the Ministry of Works had bought it, which now places this building under the care of English Heritage.

An enormous amount of effort has been put into restoring Audley End's park. The fine Victorian Gardens now sport a parterre and an artificial lake feed by the River Cam which winds through this charming 18th century park.