Stratfield Saye House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Stratfield Saye House |
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| Type | Country house |
| Location | Stratfield Saye |
| OS grid reference | SU 70018 61566 |
| Area | Hampshire |
| Owner | Duke of Wellington |
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Listed Building – Grade I
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| Official name: Stratfield Saye House | |
| Designated | 26 Apr 1957 |
| Reference no. | 1092773 |
| Official name: Stratfield Saye Park | |
| Designated | 31 May 1984 |
| Reference no. | 1000866 |
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Stratfield Saye House is a grand country home located in Stratfield Saye, a village in Hampshire, England. This historic house has been the home of the Dukes of Wellington since 1817. It is a very important building, recognized as a Grade I listed building.
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A Look at Early History
The land where Stratfield Saye House stands has a long history. An ancient Roman road, known as the Devil's Highway, runs along the northern edge of the property.
The area was once two separate estates, or "manors," that were later joined together. In the 1100s, the "Stratfield" part was owned by the Stoteville family. Then, in the early 1200s, it became part of the Saye family's property through a marriage.
Later, before 1370, the manor changed hands again through marriage, going to the Dabridgecourt family. In 1629, the Dabridgecourts sold the estate to the Pitt family.
How the House Grew Over Time
The main part of Stratfield Saye House was made much bigger around 1630. This work was done by Sir William Pitt, who worked for King James I. Sir William's oldest son, Edward Pitt, bought the estate for £4,800 in 1629.
More changes and improvements were made to the house and its surrounding park in the 1700s. These were carried out by George Pitt, 1st Baron Rivers.
The Duke of Wellington's Home
In 1817, the British government bought the Stratfield Saye estate. They wanted to give it as a gift to Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who was a famous general. He had led the British army to victory at the Battle of Waterloo.
The government offered £600,000 to build a new "Waterloo Palace" for the Duke. This new palace was meant to be as grand as Blenheim Palace, the home of the Dukes of Marlborough.
Why Wellington Chose Stratfield Saye
The Duke of Wellington chose the 5,000-acre (20 km2) Stratfield Saye estate in Hampshire. It was the home of the Pitt family at the time. An architect named Benjamin Dean Wyatt helped him with the purchase. Wyatt had also been the Duke's private secretary.
Initially, the Duke planned to tear down the old house and build a grander one called Waterloo Palace. However, these plans were too expensive. So, in 1821, he decided to keep the existing house. Instead, he made many additions and improvements to it. Most of the Dukes of Wellington, except for the first and sixth, are buried at Stratfield Saye House.
The Wellington Exhibition
The old stables at Stratfield Saye House are also very important buildings. They are now home to the Wellington Exhibition. This exhibition tells the story of the first Duke of Wellington's life and times.
It has a large collection of military items and souvenirs. The Duke's special funeral carriage is also there. This carriage was made from melted-down French cannons that were captured at the Battle of Waterloo. It was moved to Stratfield Saye in the 1980s.
Wellington Commemorative Column
A tall column stands at the entrance to Stratfield Saye House, on the side facing Heckfield. This column is a memorial to the Duke of Wellington. It has a special design called Corinthian.
On top of the column is a bronze statue made by Baron Carlo Marochetti. You can see this column from the A33 highway. It was put up in 1863.
Places Named After Stratfield Saye
Stratfield Saye House has inspired names in other parts of the world, especially in Australia.
- Strathfieldsaye, a suburb of Bendigo in Victoria, Australia, was named after Stratfield Saye House.
- From 1861 to 1994, there was also a local government area called the Shire of Strathfieldsaye.
- The name of Strathfield, a suburb of Sydney, Australia, also comes from Stratfield Saye House.
- Other nearby suburbs like North Strathfield and Strathfield South, and the Municipality of Strathfield, share the same origin.
More to Explore
- Apsley House – This is the London home of the Dukes of Wellington.
- Waterloo ceremony – A special event related to the Battle of Waterloo.
- Walmer Castle – The home of the 1st Duke when he was the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports.
