House & Family History: The original house was enlarged and altered in 1670 with the addition of two wings and a classical portico. When Charles II returned from exile at the Restoration, he lived for a number of years at Avington. The king lived here together with his mistress, Nell Gwynn, while Winchester Palace was being rebuilt for his occupancy (portraits of Charles II and his family, including Nell Gwynn, are still in the collection of Avington). The Avington Estate was purchased by John Shelley, younger brother of the famous poet, in 1847. During World War II the house was occupied by the U.S. Army. Avington is particularly noted for its ballroom ceiling, painted by Antonio Verio in imitation of his work at Versailles.

Chapel & Church: The 18th century St. Mary's Church is extant.

John Bernard (J.B.) Burke, published under the title of A Visitation of the Seats and Arms of the Noblemen and Gentlemen of Great Britain and Ireland, among other titles: Vol. II, p. 54, 1853.

House Listed: Grade I

Park Listed: Grade II*

Current Seat / Home of: Nicolas Roach; here since 2020.

Past Seat / Home of: Edmund Clerk, 16th century. George Rodney Brydges (Bridges), 1664-1714; George William Brydges, 1714-51; Henry Brydges, 2nd Duke of Chandos, 1751-71; James Brydges, 3rd Duke of Chandos, 1771-89; Lady Anne Elizabeth Brydges and Richard Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, until 1839; Richard Plantagenet Temple-Nugent-Brydges-Chandos-Grenville, 2nd Duke of Buckingham and Chandos, 1839-47. John Shelley, 1847-66; Lady Eleanor Shelley-Rolls, until 1951. Hickson family, 20th century. Bullen family, until 2020.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

Ownership Details: Available for weddings and events

House Open to Public: By Appointment

Phone: 01962-779-260

Fax: 01962-779-864

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.avingtonpark.co.uk/

Historic Houses Member: Yes