Waddesdon: A Weekend Party Place

The Rothschild family was in the International banking business, with different branches of the family in various parts of Europe. Ferdinand, a widower, lived and worked in London. He bought this property, which was a barren hill, and transformed it into an elegant place for entertaining at his famous Saturday-to-Monday parties. He delighted in showing the house, its treasures, and the gardens to friends.

The dining room is remarkable for its marble walls hung with tapestries. The table is set for 24 people. The bouquets of flowers are high, as the custom was to talk up and down the table, rather than across it. The food was legendary, and Queen Victoria enjoyed it so much, she sent her own chef to learn the recipes. Unfortunately, Baron Ferdinand had a stomach problem, and only consumed toast and water!Read more