Ugbrooke facts for kids
Ugbrooke House is a beautiful old country home in Chudleigh, Devon, England. It sits in a lovely valley between the cities of Exeter and Newton Abbot. This grand house has been the home of the Clifford family for over 400 years. Today, you can visit the house and its gardens during the summer for guided tours. It's also a popular place for special events.
History of Ugbrooke House
Ugbrooke House has a very long history, going back more than 900 years! It was even mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, which was a big survey of England ordered by William the Conqueror.
Before the Reformation (a time of big changes in the church), the land belonged to the Church. Priests who worked for the Bishop of Exeter lived in the house. Later, the property was owned by the Courtenay family from Powderham Castle.
In 1604, Ugbrooke House became the home of the Clifford family. They have lived there ever since! The owners of Ugbrooke have held the special title of Baron Clifford of Chudleigh since 1672.
The house itself is a very important historic building, known as a Grade I listed building. It was updated by a famous architect named Robert Adam. The beautiful gardens were designed by another well-known landscape designer, Capability Brown, in 1761. It's thought that some of the first European White Elm trees in the UK were planted here. The gardens are also listed as important historic parks.
In 1796, a man named Thomas Weld married Lucy Bridget Clifford at Ugbrooke. After his wife passed away and his daughter married, Thomas Weld became a priest. He later became a cardinal, which is a very high rank in the Catholic Church.
Lewis Henry Hugh Clifford, who was the 9th Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, lived from 1851 to 1916. He was an important helper to King Edward VII. Both King Edward VII and King George V visited Ugbrooke Park. During the Second World War, the house was used as a school.
St. Cyprian's Chapel
Ugbrooke House has its own chapel called St. Cyprian's Chapel. It was originally a chapel for the Anglican Church. However, in 1673, it became a Catholic chapel when Thomas Clifford, the 1st Baron Clifford of Chudleigh, became Catholic. Later Barons added more parts to the chapel, like a Lady Chapel and a Baptistry.
Catholic people in the area would come to St. Cyprian's for church services. Priests who lived at Ugbrooke also taught the Clifford children and helped the local communities. The chapel has strong connections with Buckfast Abbey in Devon.
Ugbrooke House Today
Today, Ugbrooke House and its gardens are open to visitors on certain days during the summer. You can take a guided tour to learn all about the house's history. There's also a tearoom where you can enjoy refreshments, including a traditional Devon cream tea.
Church services (Mass) are still held every Sunday morning at St. Cyprian's Chapel.
The current Lord and Lady Clifford live in a smaller house on the grounds. The main Ugbrooke House is now home to their son, The Hon. Mr. Alexander Clifford, and his wife.
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
