Impressions of Althorp

On a beautiful summer day last June, I had the opportunity to visit Althorp, the country manor home of the Spencer family, Princess Diana and the place where she is buried. Althorp dates from 1508 and is part of a 13,000 acre estate. The day included lunch in the Picture Gallery and participation in Charles Spencer's annual literary festival.  We also had time to walk around the estate and see a glimpse of the life of this historic family. 

View of manor house from the back

When we arrived, we were led up to the Picture Gallery where our luncheon was held.  Charles Spencer was sponsoring the literary event which was held in various rooms around the house.  Charles was a former NBC news correspondent and Diana's brother. Since he was the oldest male heir, he inherited the estate from his father, the Eighth Earl of Spencer and Princess Diana's father.  Charles Spencer was 27 when his father died and he inherited the estate.  He is working to maintain and  preserve Althorp.  It's very common for estates to host a variety of events to raise money to help preserve the estate for future generations.

Charles Spencer greeting us in the Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery seats two hundred for dinner and houses sixty portraits

which include ten of Charles II's mistresses, known as 'The Windsor Beauties.'

The Spencer Gallery overlooking the Saloon

After lunch, we attended different sessions of the literary festival.  I was interested in learning more about the Spencer family history, so I attended a talk given by Charles Spencer about the history of his family and Althorp.  

back of the stables

Before we headed back to London, we walked around the grounds of the Althorp estate.  The grounds were stunning, with the stables a prominant building near the house.  They are now used as a gift shop and cafe for visitors. Until the early 20th century, the stables were home to one hundred horses and up to  forty grooms!

front of the stables

There were lovely gardens all around the stables.   The garden around the house was orginally designed in 1860.

There are plenty of sheep to make a picture perfect scene of the English countryside.  

As you walk back behind the house, you follow a path which ends at a pond.  In the middle of the pond is an island.  You can see the monument that is mostly overgrown now but this is where Princess Diana is buried.   It's very peaceful and a beautiful setting. 

Our day concluded with a scenic bus ride back to London and a deeper appreciation of what is involved in owning and managing an English country manor house.