Plan A Visit
Group Visits
School Visits
Boughton House
The Buccleuch Collection
Previous Exhibitions
House Tours
Montagu Monuments
The History of the Gardens
Orpheus – the 21st Century Garden
Grand Etang Restoration Project
Through the Seasons
Boughton Estate
Simulated Game Days
Contact
Work For Us
The 1st Duke Of Montagu
Boughton House as it stands today is largely the work of Ralph Montagu, later 1st Duke of Montagu, who inherited what was then a simpler Tudor building, in 1683.
Montagu had been an English ambassador to France, and he was keen to bring French beauty and style to an English landscape. He expanded his home using contemporary French architectural influences and the resulting masterpiece is often referred to as ‘The English Versailles’.
2nd Duke of Montagu
His son, John, 2nd Duke of Montagu, was passionate about the landscape and made grand changes to the gardens. His new landscape covered 100 acres, with water features, splendid vistas and tree-lined avenues.
What was once a simple Tudor manor, with a Great Hall at its heart, was now a palatial residence on the scale of the most splendid in the country.
Unplanned Preservation
After the death of the 2nd Duke, the House passed through the female line to noble families whose main residences were elsewhere. The Dukedom of Montagu became extinct and for two centuries, the House ‘slept’.
However in the 20th century it once again became a beloved family home, the residence of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, a descendant of the Montagus.
Today, the House continues to be a great favourite of visitors looking for peace, elegance and the expression of man’s pursuit of cultural excellence.
Boughton has featured in history and arts programmes, such as Treasure Houses of Britain, presented by Selina Scott and an American Aristocrat’s Guide to Great Estates: as well as appearing in the Oscar winning Les Misérables.
Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust
Boughton is looked after by a charity, The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust. All entrance proceeds are used to support the charity’s conservation and educational work.
By visiting us you are actively helping to preserve this national treasure for the enjoyment of future generations.
The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust is a registered charity, incorporated in Scotland, with company number SC377083 and charity registration number SC014915. Registered office, 1 Rutland Court, Edinburgh, Midlothian, EH3 8EY
Principal office: Weatherhouse, Bowhill, Selkirk, TD7 5ES
The Buccleuch Living Heritage Trust is registered for VAT; Registration Number 992 784 261.
Telephone: 01536 515731
The Buccleuch Collection
You can enjoy several centuries of art connoisseurship in Boughton House which forms part of the world-renowned Buccleuch Collection. Here the impressive collection includes treasures from across the decorative arts spectrum, including paintings by El Greco, Van Dyck and Gainsborough, exceptional French furniture by the master cabinetmaker André-Charles Boulle, alongside delicate Sèvres porcelain, Mortlake tapestries and 16th century rugs from the Middle East.
Previous Exhibitions
Previous exhibitions at Boughton House have highlighted various aspects and themes of the collection for visitors to enjoy. From the fascinating history of the Huguenots to Duchess Elizabeth’s passion for opera. These records tell an interesting story.
Don’t Miss…
The brand new Boughton House guidebook. Discover “The House, its People and its Collections” in the newest edition of the book, written by Richard, Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry. Enjoy the introduction of the book for free with the below preview. It is also available to buy online through the same link. The book can also be purchased from the Gift Shop.
