Woburn Abbey

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The layout of Woburn before partial demolition.

The west front of Woburn Abbey, as seen approaching the house

The east side of the Abbey, looking into the former central courtyard

Woburn Abbey, near Woburn in Bedfordshire, is the seat of the Duke of Bedford, head of the Russell Family. The Abbey was a half-demolished, half-derelict house in 1953 when the 12th Duke died, exposing the family estates to heavy death duties for the second time in thirteen years. The Abbey, originally given to the family by Henry VIII, had been largely rebuilt by the 4th Duke in the 18th century. The architects Henry Flitcroft and Henry Holland had been employed on the project. Following World War II, dry rot had been discovered and half the Abbey was subsequently demolished.

Following his father's death, John, 13th Duke of Bedford opened it to the public for the first time in 1955. It soon gained in popularity as other amusements were added, including the safari park. The 13th Duke died in November 2002 in Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.. Asked about the unfavourable comments by other aristocrats when he turned the family home into a theme park he once said, "I do not relish the scorn of the peerage, but it is better to be looked down on than overlooked."

The 14th Duke, Robin (who enjoyed the courtesy title Marquess of Tavistock), ran Woburn Abbey for many years with his wife, the former Henrietta Tiarks, before inheriting the title on the death of his Monte Carlo based father.

Robin, 14th Duke of Bedford (the briefest holder of the Dukedom), died in June 2003. His son, Andrew, 15th Duke of Bedford, now runs the Woburn Abbey Estate.

Anna Maria, the wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, was the originator of the afternoon tea ritual in 19th century England.

In the early nineties Woburn Abbey was owned by the Tussauds Group and with the help of John Wardley (Nemesis, Oblivion creator) set to build a large park. However, Tussauds bought Alton Towers instead and that is now the UK's most visited theme park attraction.

The park does however contain the Woburn Safari Park.