Roman and Medieval Beginnings
The Estate at Badminton contains the remains of several Roman Villas, and Badminton is recorded in the Domesday Book as ‘Madmintune’.
The medieval House was owned by the Boteler family from whom, in 1612, Edward Somerset, fourth Earl of Worcester, purchased the manors of Great and Little Badminton. Some years later, he gave Badminton to one of his sons, Sir Thomas Somerset who was the first to make what would be many significant alterations to the original House.
The Somerset and Beaufort Legacy
The Somersets are descended from John of Gaunt, and the dukedom of Beaufort was created by Charles II in 1682, being granted to Sir Thomas’ great nephew, Henry Somerset, 3rd Marquess of Worcester in reward for his service to the Royalists in the Civil War. The first Duke and Duchess carried out extensive works on the house, gardens and grounds.
The Origins of Badminton (the Sport)
The origins of the sport of badminton are understood to date back to the games of battledore and shuttlecock played in ancient civilisations in Europe and Asia. It is thought that army officers in 1863 played a derivative of these earlier games at Badminton House in Gloucestershire, and perhaps this is how the sport became commonly referred to as badminton. The Entrance Hall reflects the dimensions of a modern Badminton Court.
Architectural Evolution of Badminton House
Successive Dukes made significant enhancements to the House, adding pediments, pavilions, and cupolas. They engaged some of the foremost architects and landscape designers of their time, including William Kent, James Gibbs, Charles Bridgeman, and Lancelot “Capability” Brown.
The gardens and parkland also evolved over time, featuring the creation of formal gardens, follies, and innovative planting schemes. The first Duchess of Beaufort, Mary Somerset, actively collected, identified, and classified thousands of plants from around the world, establishing one of the most beautiful gardens in England during the 17th century.
Buildings in the landscape
Worcester Lodge, pictured below, was described by Nikolaus Pevsner as “one of the ten best buildings in England.” Designed by William Kent in 1746, the lodge stands just under three miles from Badminton House, along the main central avenue, although Kent did not live to see its completion.
Thomas Wright, an English astronomer and architect, designed the castellated barns on the Badminton Estate as ornamental “eye-catchers” within the landscape, making them a striking feature of the grounds. These structures, also known as Castle Barn formed part of a wider collection of garden buildings and follies created for the 4th Duke of Beaufort around 1750.
Royal Visits and Historic Guests
Kings and Queens have visited Badminton over the centuries. Charles II stayed in the house, as did William of Orange on his return from the Battle of the Boyne. Our late Queen Elizabeth II’s grandmother, Queen Mary the wife of George V, stayed at Badminton for much of World War II, as a guest of her niece, the Duchess of Beaufort.
The late Queen Elizabeth II was a regular visitor to the annual Badminton Horse Trials. It was the 10th Duke of Beaufort whose idea it was to hold an event in his Gloucestershire park in order that British riders could train for future international events. The first event was held in 1949.
Badminton Today
The current Duke and Duchess of Beaufort continue to improve and invest in the Estate and are passionate about preserving its assets for the long term. Whilst Badminton House remains primarily a private family home, it offers a variety of wonderful venues for weddings, private parties or corporate events. You can also stay on the Badminton Estate at one of our holiday lets. Please email estateoffice@badmintonestate.com with any enquiries.
