Welcome to Stately Homes

The history of the house begins in 1145. Hugh de Bolebec founded a religious house for a group of Cistercian monks, with the monastic buildings following the usual Cistercian pattern.

Thus, the north wing is on the site of the monastic church and the present courtyard is on the site of the great cloister and garth. In 1538 the Abbot, Robert Hobbes, was found guilty of treason and the monastery confiscated. Legend states that he was hanged from an oak tree at the Abbey's gate.

Edward VI granted Woburn Abbey to Sir John Russell in 1547, though it did not become a family home until 1619. In 1747, the Fourth Duke commissioned Henry Flitcroft to rebuild the west range, including the grand series of staterooms. In 1802, Humphry Repton landscaped the park as it appears today. For more information about Woburn, visit their informative, highly visual Website.

The Russell Family History
The first ancestor who can be identified is Stephen Russell of Dorset, who in 1394 represented Weymouth in Parliament. His great-great-grandson John established the family fortune, becoming Baron Russell and Earl of Bedford. He enjoyed the privileged position of being entrusted with many state offices and diplomatic missions under Henry VIII. Most of their family estates were granted in recognition of his services.

Other Russells became prominent Parliamentarians, most notably Lord John Russell. He carried the first great electoral reform bill through Parliament in 1832. In other spheres of public service, the Fourth Duke negotiated the Treaty of Paris in 1763 and several 19th century family members entered the diplomatic service and army. Today at Woburn, they take pleasure in sharing with their visitors the many beautiful objects they collected as patrons of all forms of art.

Opening Dates - 2008:
16th March - 28th September, daily, 11 am - 4 pm (last admission, closes 5.30 pm)
Open during November & December - please telephone for specific dates.

Grounds & Deer Park:
16th March & 28th September: daily, 10 am - 5 pm
1st January - 15th March & 1st October - 31st December: daily, 10 am - 4.30 pm
Closed 24th - 26th December

Abbey Antiques Centre:
All year: daily (except 24th - 26th December),10 am - 5 pm (last admission, centre closes at 5.30 pm)

Admission Charges - 2008:
Woburn Abbey:
Adults - £10.50
Child (5-15) - £6.00
Senior - £9.50
Child (under 5) - Free

Group rates and family tickets available.

Car Park, Grounds & Deer Park only:
£2.00 per person

Owners: The Duke and Duchess of Bedford
Comptroller: William Lash