350 years of passion, pleasure and politics at Cliveden

The South Terrace pre-restoration, Cliveden.

This year marks 350 years since the founding of Cliveden as a great estate, since the 2nd Duke of Buckingham bought the deeds to the estate and commissioned architect William Winde to build a mansion. There are many different ways we are marking this significant anniversary.

The South Terrace project

This mansion was to sit a top a chalk cliff, and above that on a southern-facing raised terrace.Therefore it seems apt that we are coming into the final phase of the £6m South Terrace conservation project this year. This work will protect the Terrace for another 350 years.

South Terrace Cliveden

The South Terrace project 

Conservation work to the South Terrace is now complete. Have a look at how we've restored this 350 year old Terrace to its former glory.

New interpretation surrounding the project will tell you what work is happening one the day you visit as well as sharing just some of the reasons we, and part residents, believe Cliveden is so special.

Contemporary art

Underneath the South Terrace we have opened the Sounding Chamber to the public for the first time in 30 years, and for the first time ever in its unrendered state. The two chambers are the oldest part of the estate, having survived the two fires with destroyed two prvious mansion houses.

Cliveden, Buckinghamshire
The sounding chamber at Cliveden
Cliveden, Buckinghamshire

To mark this significant anniversary we have comissioned a sound installation inspired by the Sounding Chamber and 350 years of our history. 'Ghosts' the evocative, haunting and thought-provoking piece by the Robin Rimbaud (known as Scanner), will be open to the public from 20 May to September 2016. Free (usual admission charges apply), open 10am - 5pm daily.

The artist Scanner installing his sound piece in the Sounding Chamber a the National Trust's Cliveden.

Ghosts by Scanner 

Explore the Sounding Chamber and listen to Scanner's installation with this 360 degree video.

Passion, pleasure and politics

Our brand new history trail designed for adults will lead you around the grand estate while revealing some of the passion, pleasure and politics of the past 350 years. Learn about:

  • The Lover (the 2nd Duke of Buckingham)
  • The Forgotten King (Frederick Prince of Wales)
  • The Queen's Confidante (Harriet Duchess of Sutherland)
  • The Entertainers (The Astors)
  • And those who are looking after Cliveden forever, for everyone (that's us).

Just pick up our 350 welcome map from the Information Centre when you arrive and explore in your own time. And if you can't compelte it all, why not keep your map and bring it back later in the year?

For families - conservation in action

We know that for little ones there's nothing quite like a digger... Well this summer holiday they will have the chance to take part in their very own conservation project. Next to the Doll's House we are installing a builder's compound where there will be lots of interactive activities relating to the South Terrace project, and, of course, diggers. More details will be available from the end of July.