Built / Designed For: Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford.

House & Family History: Orford House was built for Admiral of the Fleet Edward Russell, a military adviser to Prince William of Orange (later William III) and a player in the Glorious Revolution (Russell was one of the Immortal Seven, a group of English noblemen who issued the Invitation to William, a document asking Prince William to depose King James II). As a reward for his support, William made Russell an admiral and treasurer of the Royal Navy in 1689, Earl of Orford in 1697, and first lord of the Admiralty in 1714. Russell married his cousin, Lady Margaret Russell, youngest daughter of the 5th Earl of Bedford (later the 1st Duke of Bedford); they had no children.

House Listed: Grade II*

Park Listed: Not Listed

Past Seat / Home of: Admiral of the Fleet Edward Russell, 1st Earl of Orford, 18th century. Isaac Whittington, 18th century. Colonel Chamberlayne, 19th century; Chamberlayne family here until the early 20th century. Tennant family, 20th century. Butterworth family, until 1983.

Current Ownership Type: Charity / Nonprofit

Primary Current Ownership Use: Hospital / Care Home / Recovery Center

Ownership Details: Since 1983 Ordfor House care home for people with learning disabilities, owned by Home Farm Trust.

House Open to Public: No

Phone: 01279-816-165

Fax: 01279-816-858

Historic Houses Member: No