Built / Designed For: Emanuell Scrope

House & Family History: The name Hambleden derives from the Anglo-Saxon word for "crooked valley." The manor of Hambleden is mentioned in the "Domesday Book" as Hambleden, a property of the Empress Matilda, daughter of King Henry I. Hambleden Manor is an early 17th century Jacobean style U-shaped house with 1800 and 1830-40 alterations and additions. The house is noted as a refuge for Charles I, who stayed here one night in 1646 when he was fleeing Oxford. In the 19th century Hambleden was a home of James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, famous as the leader of the Charge of the Light Brigade at the Battle of Balaclava. In the early 20th century it was owned by W.H. Smith, a descendant of the founder of the famous chain of newsagents.

Garden & Outbuildings: The estate today covers 1,600 acres.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Current Seat / Home of: William Henry Smith, 5th Viscount Hambleden

Past Seat / Home of: SEATED AT EARLIER HOUSE: Queen Maltida, aka Empress Maude, 13th century. SEATED AT CURRENT HOUSE: Emanuel Scrope, 1st Earl of Sunderland and 11th Baron Scrope of Bolton, 17th century. James Brudenell, 7th Earl of Cardigan, 19th century. W.H. Smith, 1930s.

Current Ownership Type: Individual / Family Trust

Primary Current Ownership Use: Private Home

House Open to Public: No

Historic Houses Member: No