Anglesey Abbey is a Jacobean house located near Cambridge, England. It was originally built in the late 16th century by Sir Nicholas Bacon and was later remodelled in the 17th century by his son, Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was the first Lord of Anglesey. The house is now owned by the National Trust and is open to the public.
Early History
The original house was built in 1578 by Sir Nicholas Bacon, who was the son of Lord Keeper of the Great Seal, Sir Nicholas Bacon. The house was built on the site of an earlier 12th century Benedictine Abbey which had been destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. The house was built in a Jacobean style, with a great hall and gallery, and was surrounded by extensive gardens and grounds.
17th Century Renovations
Sir Nicholas Bacon’s son, Sir Nicholas Bacon, the first Lord of Anglesey, was responsible for remodelling the house in the 17th century. He added two wings to the house and replaced the great hall with a new drawing room. He also added a large library, a chapel and a banqueting hall. He also had the grounds landscaped and planted with trees, creating a formal garden with a terrace, a pond and a canal. The gardens were designed by renowned landscape architect, Humphry Repton.
18th and 19th Centuries
In the 18th and 19th centuries, the house was owned by various members of the Bacon family. During this time, the house was further remodelled and the grounds were landscaped with new trees and gardens. In 1891, the house was sold to the industrialist, Charles Adeane, who made further alterations to the house, including the addition of a large conservatory.
20th Century
In the 20th century, the house was owned by several different families. In 1956, the house and grounds were purchased by Lord Fairhaven, who opened the house to the public. He also established a museum in the house, which contained a large collection of paintings and furniture. In 1976, the house and grounds were purchased by the National Trust and it is now open to the public.
Today
Today, Anglesey Abbey is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can explore the house and its grounds, which include the formal gardens, the terrace, the pond and the canal. There is also a museum in the house, which contains a large collection of paintings and furniture. Visitors can also take part in a range of activities, such as guided tours, garden walks and nature trails.
Anglesey Abbey is a beautiful house with a rich history and is well worth a visit. Whether you’re interested in history or just looking for a peaceful place to spend a day, Anglesey Abbey is sure to provide you with an enjoyable experience.