Theodora's Legacy

In the early days of their marriage the family lived at Ickworth Lodge where Theodora ran a relatively small household within quiet, country life. However once Frederick inherited the title and estate in 1907, their quiet life changed. Social duties were in abundance, county events were attended and Theodora even attended the coronation of George V. 

Moving into the ‘Big House’

The family moved into the East Wing following renovations which included seventeen new modern bedrooms for the servants. Extensive work was also carried out in the Rotunda to create an impressively lavish setting for entertainment. A thoroughly modern woman, Theodora also installed electricity, new heating systems and an up to date kitchen in the basement of the East Wing

Theodora ‘The Custodian’

Theodora’s outlook encompassed the local community and her commitment to the Hervey legacy. From chairing local WIs to inviting the community to garden fetes, she encouraged ties with those local to Ickworth. 
 

Theodora is also remembered for her love of history of the Hervey family. She preserved and conserved the collection, tracking lost artefacts, restoring objects and compiling scrapbooks to record the details. Her last action was offering Ickworth and its estate to the National Trust in 1956 so we could continue her legacy of conserving Ickworth for future generations.