Ugbrooke facts for kids
Ugbrooke House is a beautiful old country house in Devon, England. It sits in a lovely valley between the cities of Exeter and Newton Abbot. This historic home belongs to the Clifford family and has been their family seat for hundreds of years. Today, you can visit Ugbrooke House and its gardens during the summer for guided tours. It also hosts special events.
A Long History
Ugbrooke House has a very long and interesting history, going back over 900 years! It was even mentioned in the Domesday Book in 1086, which was a big survey of England.
For a long time, the land belonged to the Church. Later, it was owned by the Courtenay family. In 1604, the Clifford family took ownership of Ugbrooke. They have lived there ever since, for more than 400 years! The owners have held the special title of Baron Clifford of Chudleigh since 1672.
The house itself was updated by a famous architect named Robert Adam. The beautiful gardens were designed by another well-known landscape artist, Capability Brown, in 1761. These gardens were possibly the first place in the UK to plant the European White Elm tree. Today, the house is a Grade I listed building, meaning it's very important historically. The gardens are also protected as Grade II* listed.
During the time of the 9th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, Lewis Henry Hugh Clifford (1851–1916), Ugbrooke Park welcomed royalty. Both King Edward VII and King George V visited the house. Later, during the Second World War, Ugbrooke House was used as a school to keep children safe.
St. Cyprian's Chapel
Ugbrooke House has its own special chapel called St. Cyprian's Chapel. It was originally an Anglican chapel. But in 1673, when Thomas Clifford, 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, became a Catholic, the chapel was rededicated for Catholic services. Over the years, the Barons added more parts to the chapel, like a Lady Chapel and an organ loft.
For many years, Catholic priests lived at Ugbrooke. They held services for the local Catholic community and also helped teach the Clifford children. In 1854, an important meeting for the new Roman Catholic Diocese of Plymouth took place right here at Ugbrooke. The house still has strong connections with Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
Visiting Ugbrooke Today
Today, you can visit Ugbrooke House and its lovely gardens on certain days during the summer. Guided tours are available to show you around. You can also enjoy some refreshments at the Orangery Tearoom, including a traditional Devon cream tea.
The chapel is still active! Mass is held every Sunday morning at 8:45 am, as part of the Holy Spirit Parish in Bovey Tracey.
Images for kids
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Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh
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Ugbrooke House and its park
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St Cyprian's Chapel, Ugbrooke House, Chudleigh
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The Orangery, Ugbrooke Park
