Cliveden, or Cliefden, as it was often spelt until the 19th century, owes its name to the chalk cliffs between Maidenhead and Cookham which overlook the Thames. This commanding position was exploited by six successive, powerful families who built a total of three houses on the same foundations. There can be few sites which have seen such an intensity of building over three centuries, and few indeed whose owners have included the holders of three dukedoms, and earldom, and a viscountcy. What has been built here involved ten architects, and unbuilt designs were provided by a further three, amounting to an architectural development rarely seen outside royal patronage; but in fact the least active period of this development can be found at a time when Cliveden had a royal tenant, Frederick, the Prince of Wales.

The present house was built in 1849-51 to the designs of Sir Charles Barry, architect of the Palace of Westminster. In its expressly Italianate appearance, Cliveden is unusual among English country houses. It was conceived as a 'summer palace' or retreat from the city. Even in the 18th century it was possible to lunch in London and to dine at Cliveden.


The owners of Cliveden who have most contributed to its present appearance are: the 2nd Duke of Buckingham, the 1st Earl of Orkney, the 2nd Duke & Duchess of Sutherland, the 1st Duke of Westminster and three generations of the Astor family.

Cliveden’s gardens and grounds were laid out in a formal design during the first half of the 18th century. The 1st Lord Astor added much to the gardens during the 19th century. Besides the Borghese Balustrade, he introduced much other fine statuary, and formed an Italian Garden, near to the Octagon Temple, laid out the Long Garden and planted a maze.

Cliveden’s grounds are open to the public and are maintained by ‘The National Trust’.

[Jonathan Myles-Lea made a map of the entire site, including drawings of the temples and sculpture within the grounds. This map is currently on sale at the property.]

 

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