The Stately Homes of England Trivia Quiz

Answer: Blenheim Palace

Following his success against the French in the Wars of the Spanish Succession
Queen Anne and the Nation granted the First Duke of Marlborough the Manor of Woodstock and the promise of sufficient funds to build a house. Vanbrugh was the architect, and it is reported that he had several arguments with Sarah, Duchess of Marlborough, which led to his eventual resignation.

The Palace was the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill, who is buried at the parish church in nearby Bladon, next to his wife.

Blenheim Palace is now a World Heritage Site.

Answer: Wilton House

Wilton House stands on the site of a twelfth century Benedictine abbey. During the Dissolution of the Monasteries Henry Vlll gave the abbey and its surrounding lands to William Herbert, who was the husband of Anne Parr, sister of Henry's wife Katherine Parr. In 1555 William was created Earl of Pembroke, and the house has been home to all subsequent Earls of Pembroke.

The double cube room is unique. Its height is exactly twice its length and width. Entry to it is via an equally architecturally impressive single cube room. Two massive Van Dyke portraits of Charles l flank the fireplace, and these, coupled with the ornate white and gold decorations, make this room one of the finest to be found in England.

Answer: Woburn Abbey

Woburn is home to the Dukes of Bedford and has been in their family for some 400 years. Many of them have been diplomats and statesmen, including Lord John Russell who was instrumental in getting the first great Electoral Reform Bill through Parliament in 1832, and the fourh Earl who helped negotiate the Treaty of Paris that ended the Seven Years War, but it was John Russell who established the family fortunes. He was made Baron Russell and The Earl of Bedford, and the Woburn estate was given to him by Henvy Vlll in recognition of his diplomatic service.

Answer: Cliveden

Built in 1666 by the Duke of Buckingham as a hunting lodge where he could meet his mistresses, Cliveden has played host to almost every British Monarch since George l. In 1863 it was bought by William Astor, and in 1906 he gave it to his son and daughter-in-law. They entertained lavishly and their guests included Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin and President Roosevelt.

John Profumo met Christine Keeler and Stephen Ward there, triggering events which led to the scandal that almost brought down the Government of the day.

Answer: Hever Castle

The oldest part of Hever Castle dates to around 1270 and consists of a gatehouse and walled bailey. The property was purchased by the Bullen family in 1550 and they added a Tudor house within the walls. Henry Vlll later gave Hever to Anne of Cleeves as part of their divorce settlement.

In 1903 it was purchased by William Astor. By this time it was in sore need of attention and he invested time and money in restoring the whole property to its former glory. Amongst its many artefacts are two Books of Hours bearing the signature of Anne Boleyn.

Answer: Castle Howard

Castle Howard, home to the Howard family for over 300 years, took over 100 years to build. In that time three monarchs came and went and numerous architects were employed. In 1940 it suffered a devastating fire that destroyed over 20 rooms, the dome and much of the contents. For some time it remained in a derelict state, but George Howard, who inherited after his two elder brothers were killed in World War Two, started a renovation and conservation programme that continues to this day.

The 1981 TV Series "Brideshead Revisited" starring Anthony Andrews was filmed there, and when this was turned into a film in 2008 Castle Howard was again the backdrop.

Answer: Chatsworth

Chatsworth is the seat of the Dukes of Devonshire. Sir William Cavendish started building work in 1549, but died before it was completed. His widow, Bess of Hardwick, completed the work.

Jospeh Paxton became Head Gardener at Chatsworth around 1823. He had a great interest in glass houses and developed a forcing system for espalier trees. In 1837 he built his "Great Conservatory" at Chatsworth which proved to be the basis for Crystal Palace, which he designed for the 1851 Great Exhibition. Unfortunately the building at Chatsworth was destroyed in 1923.

Answer: Longleat

Longleat is one of the best examples of high Elizabethan architecture in England. Home to the Thynne family since the 1540's, it was first opened to the public in 1948. John Thynne, who bought the original estate for the sum of £53 was knighted in 1547. Thomas Thynne (1734-1796) was the 1st Marquis of Bath. The current Marquis of Bath is the 7th.

The "Lions of Longleat" arrived in 1966, causing some consternation in the local villages where there were concerns over possible escapes. However, the public imagination was captured and they became an immediate and continuing success.

Answer: Burghley House

Burghley House was designed and built by Sir William Cecil, Lord High Treasurer to Elizabeth l. It was completed in 1587. Since 1961 the annual Burghley Horse Trials have been held there and this is now the longest running international event of its type. Over the years it has staged two World Championships, six European Championships and one Young Riders Championship.

Answer: Leeds Castle

Built in 1119 Leeds Castle passed into Royal hands in 1270 and became part of what was known as "The Queens Dower", which was the settlement received by widowed Queens of England. Over the next 150 years it was held by 6 medieval Queens, among them Catherine de Valois and Isabella of France. Edward Vl granted it to one of Henry Vlll's courtiers in recognition of his service, and it has been in private ownership ever since.