Hughenden Manor

Hughenden Manor: 22 May 2025

Forty-eight members visited Hughenden Manor on a sunny day of 22 May 2025. The property carries a nickname of ‘the home of the most unlikely Victorian Prime Minister’.  The story is that of Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881) a member of parliament from 1837, he became prime minister for a short period in 1868 although a major achievement was the 1867 2nd Reform Act which introduced voting by working men.  His parliamentary career ended when defeated by William Gladstone in his last year of life.

The history of the Manor was outlined in an interesting presentation by a site guide.

In the 19th century, politicians had to own a country residence to qualify as prime minister.  This represented a challenge for Disraeli (who had dropped the apostrophe from his Jewish name) as having little money, he relied on loans and avoided bailiffs, to buy Hughenden. 

Benjamin, created Earl of Beaconsfield in 1876 enjoyed an amorous life.  He formed several relationships with older, wealthy, women and sought maternal care and support.  His spinster sister, Sarah, became a confidant.  He married Mary Anne in 1839 when she sold a house in Grosvenor Gate to settle his debts.  Mary Anne died in 1872.  Benjamin became friendly with Mrs Sarah Brydges Willyams to whom he sent a copy of his novel Tancred and exchanged correspondence and gifts. £30,000 legacy from her Will paid off the mortgage on Hughenden.  Afterwards, with friendships with Lady Chesterfield and her younger sister Lady Bradford there was an outpouring of affection and tender words amongst the1,500 letters Benjamin wrote. 

The Manor was requisitioned in the second world war to become Hillside where specialists drew maps to assist RAF Bomber Command to more accurately identify targets.  Work was secret and has come into public knowledge relatively recently.  Some members appreciated a talk on Hillside and its work. 

Michael Spittle