Chenies Manor

Chenies Manor: A Right Royal Mansion

You may believe that if you have seen one old mansion in Buckinghamshire then you have seen them all but that is most definitely not the case. They each have distinguishing features that make them stand out from the rest and Chenies Manor is no different. In fact, it is those distinguishing features that make Chenies Manor one of the most unique buildings in the county and the manor house with the most royal connection to the past as well.

Sir John Cheyne built Chenies Manor in 1460 but it was extended in 1526. At the time, the Earl of Bedford, Sir John Russell, lived in it. Although it is no longer in the same family (it is actually the home of the Macleod Matthews family and has been since the 1950s), the historical value of the place can never be diminished. Two of the most influential monarchs of the Tudor era visited regularly and this is well documented in the exhibitions that the home displays when it is open to the public.

Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both stayed here because the Russell family were loyal to the two monarchs and enjoyed spending time in the house and grounds. The grounds are amazing. There is actually a Physic Garden and a couple of mazes for you to wander around so there are hours of fun to be had there. It is the house though that may engage you more. There are dungeons and a priest hole, which will give you a good idea of the methods of torture back then, as well as a Medieval Wall.

As Chenies Manor is a family home, it is only open two afternoons a week, on a Wednesday and Thursday, between April and October for three hours and also on bank holidays. However, if you can manage to get to the house during your sty in Buckinghamshire then you are guaranteed to realise that you have spent your time wisely!