Kristian Ferrell
Badminton House, nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, England, is a blend of natural beauty and centuries-old heritage. The estate has witnessed visits from royalty and dignitaries, and its rooms are adorned with portraits by renowned artists such as Joshua Reynolds. Badminton House is currently owned by the 12th Duke of Beaufort, Harry Somerset, who continues to preserve and enhance the estate alongside the Duchess of Beaufort. The house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, having been purchased by the Worcesters in 1608, and is strongly associated with fox hunting and equestrian events. The sport of badminton is believed to have originated at Badminton House, lending its name to the estate.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current Owner | Harry Somerset, 12th Duke of Beaufort |
| Previous Owner | David Somerset, 11th Duke of Beaufort |
| Location | Gloucestershire, UK |
| History | The Manor of Badminton was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608. The current structure dates to the 17th and 18th centuries, with renovations by architects like William Kent and James Gibbs. |
| Size | 52,000 acres |
| Features | Roman Villa remains, Grade I listed parish church of St. Michael and All Angels, Worcester Lodge, picturesque trails, serene lakes, and the Badminton Golf Club. |
| Uses | Private family home, weddings, parties, corporate events, and filming location. |
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What You'll Learn
- Badminton House is currently owned by Harry Somerset, the 12th Duke of Beaufort
- The Manor of Badminton was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608
- The house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries
- The sport of badminton was popularised at Badminton House
- The Badminton Estate is located in Gloucestershire and is open for events
Badminton House is currently owned by Harry Somerset, the 12th Duke of Beaufort
The manor was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608, and it was later sold to Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester, in 1612. The house remained in the Somerset family, with the dukedom of Beaufort being created by Charles II in 1682 and granted to Henry Somerset, the third Marquess of Worcester.
Over the years, successive Dukes of Beaufort have made significant enhancements to the house, employing renowned architects and designers such as William Kent, James Gibbs, Charles Bridgeman, and "Capability" Brown. The house is known for its awe-inspiring interiors, including a grand entrance hall with intricate ceilings and marble floors, and an impressive collection of art, furniture, and historical artifacts.
The estate has a rich history and has hosted royalty and dignitaries over the centuries, including Charles II and William of Orange. It is also strongly associated with fox hunting, with successive Dukes of Beaufort serving as masters of the Beaufort Hunt. The current Duke and Duchess of Beaufort continue to invest in the estate and are committed to preserving its assets for future generations.
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The Manor of Badminton was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608
The Manor of Badminton, a large country house in Gloucestershire, England, was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608. Originally, it was intended for a younger son of the family. The manor contains the remains of several Roman villas and is recorded in the Domesday Book as 'Madmintune'.
In 1612, Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester, purchased the manors of Great and Little Badminton from the Boteler family. Edward Somerset's third son, Sir Thomas Somerset, made significant alterations to the original house in the late 1620s, modernising the old building and adding a new T-shaped gabled range.
The manor was then passed down to Sir Thomas' great-nephew, Henry Somerset, who became the first Duke of Beaufort in 1682. The first Duke of Beaufort played a significant role in restoring the family's fortunes, which had suffered during the civil wars. He made Badminton his home and spent around £30,000 over 30 years on renovations, a vast sum for that time.
The house continued to be remodelled by successive Dukes of Beaufort, who added pediments, pavilions, and cupolas, and employed renowned architects such as William Kent and James Gibbs. The current Duke and Duchess of Beaufort continue to invest in the estate, preserving its assets for the future while also opening it up for weddings, parties, and corporate events.
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The house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries
The Badminton Estate in Gloucestershire is a sprawling estate that blends natural wonders with centuries-old heritage. The current house dates back to the 17th and 18th centuries, but the history of the estate goes back much further. The estate contains the remains of several Roman villas, and the Domesday Book records Badminton as 'Madmintune'.
In the early 17th century, the Manor of Badminton was purchased by the Worcesters in 1608, originally for a younger son of the family. The estate returned to the main branch of the family in 1655, and in the middle of the 1660s, the old house was rebuilt. The 1st Duke of Beaufort, who was his own architect, spent around £30,000 over 30 years—a vast sum for that time. The 3rd Duke, who lived from 1707 to 1745, remodelled the house again, employing architects James Gibbs and William Kent to make major changes to the wings and the north front, giving it its Palladian appearance.
The house and estate have been in the family ever since, passing through successive Dukes of Beaufort who have made significant enhancements over the years. The 4th Duke, who succeeded his brother in 1745, continued to renovate and extend the house in the Palladian style with the architect William Kent. The 8th Duke is said to have been instrumental in the invention of the sport of badminton, which was popularised at the house and named after it.
The current Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, Harry Somerset and his wife Miranda, continue to improve and invest in the estate, preserving its assets for the long term. While Badminton House remains primarily a private family home, it is occasionally opened to the public for events and can be booked for weddings, private parties, and corporate events.
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The sport of badminton was popularised at Badminton House
Badminton House, nestled in the heart of Gloucestershire, England, is a place steeped in history and natural beauty. The estate, which spans 4,500 acres, boasts picturesque walking trails, serene lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, including numerous deer. It is widely recognised as the birthplace and populariser of the sport of badminton, lending its name to the game that has since enthralled enthusiasts worldwide.
The origins of the sport of badminton can be traced back to ancient civilisations in Europe and Asia, where similar games, such as battledore and shuttlecock, were played. However, it was at Badminton House in 1863 that the sport as we know it today gained prominence. According to tradition, the children of the eighth duke invented badminton during a harsh winter, playing in the Great Hall with a featherweight shuttlecock that would not damage the life-size portraits of horses adorning the walls.
The Manor of Badminton was originally purchased by the Worcesters in 1608, intended for a younger son of the family. In 1612, Edward Somerset, the fourth Earl of Worcester, acquired the manors of Great and Little Badminton, later passing the estate to his son, Sir Thomas Somerset. The first Duke of Beaufort, who made Badminton his home, played a significant role in restoring the family's fortunes after the civil wars. Over the centuries, successive dukes made substantial enhancements to the house, employing renowned architects such as William Kent, James Gibbs, and Charles Bridgeman.
Badminton House holds a unique place in sporting history, with its entrance hall reflecting the dimensions of a modern badminton court. Visitors can step back in time, immersing themselves in awe-inspiring interiors, impressive artwork, and historical artefacts. The estate has played host to royalty and dignitaries throughout its existence, including Queen Mary during World War II, Charles II, and William of Orange following the Battle of the Boyne.
The current Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, Harry Somerset and his widow Miranda, are passionate about preserving the estate's assets for future generations. While Badminton House primarily serves as a private family home, it also accommodates weddings, private parties, and corporate events, allowing visitors to create their own memories within its historic walls.
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The Badminton Estate is located in Gloucestershire and is open for events
The Badminton Estate, located in the heart of Gloucestershire, is a sprawling estate that blends natural beauty and centuries-old heritage. The estate has a rich history, dating back to the Domesday Book, where it was recorded as "Madmintune." Over the centuries, it has been owned by various families, including the Botelers and the Worcesters, before coming into the possession of the Somerset family, who hold the title of Duke of Beaufort.
The current duke, Harry Somerset, the 12th Duke of Beaufort, continues to preserve and enhance the estate. While Badminton House primarily serves as a private family home, it also opens its doors for special events, including weddings, private parties, and corporate gatherings. The estate has witnessed visits from royalty and dignitaries throughout its history and is closely associated with fox hunting and equestrian traditions.
The Badminton Estate boasts awe-inspiring interiors, showcasing a remarkable collection of art, furniture, and historical artifacts. The grand entrance hall, with its intricate ceiling and marble floor, sets the tone for a journey through time. The estate's grounds feature picturesque walking trails, serene lakes, and an abundance of wildlife, including deer.
The estate holds a unique place in sports history as it is widely recognised as the birthplace of badminton. Visitors can still play the sport on the very lawns where it was first introduced, with the entrance hall reflecting the dimensions of a modern badminton court. The estate also hosts the prestigious Badminton Horse Trials, attracting riders and spectators worldwide.
With its stunning landscapes, historical significance, and diverse offerings, the Badminton Estate is a must-visit destination in Gloucestershire. Whether attending a special event or exploring the nearby attractions, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage and natural wonders that the estate has to offer.
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Frequently asked questions
The current owner of Badminton House is Harry Somerset, the 12th Duke of Beaufort.
The previous owner of Badminton House was David Somerset, the 11th Duke of Beaufort, who died in 2017.
It is not known who will inherit Badminton House in the future. However, Henry Somerset was the heir to the Duke of Beaufort and the Badminton Estate before separating from his wife, Tracy Somerset, in 2014.
The Somersets are descendants of John of Gaunt. The dukedom of Beaufort was created by Charles II in 1682 and granted to Sir Thomas’ great-nephew, Henry Somerset, 3rd Marquess of Worcester, as a reward for his service to the Royalists in the Civil War.
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