Four generations of my family have shaped and enhanced this house, each adding a personal element, whether Ferdinand’s colourful exotic birds, Miss Alice’s rigorous housekeeping rules or our contemporary carpet bedding. The generous act of my cousin Jimmy in offering Waddesdon Manor to the National Trust ensured the preservation of the house and its contents in perpetuity. His widow, my cousin Dollie, became the first Chairwoman of the Waddesdon Management Committee and she lovingly devoted herself to opening the property, as a unique expression of Rothschild style, to an ever growing public.

One hundred and thirty years ago this house and its setting were created to delight and surprise the small circle of Baron Ferdinand’s friends. More than 300,000 visitors a year now come to Waddesdon to appreciate the exceptional art collections, discover the diverse moods of the gardens, taste wine, or attend a study day. I only hope that you will be as delighted by Waddesdon as I have been over many years.
Lord Rothschild