Ashridge House and the Curse of the Bridgewaters

Discover the shadowy past of Ashridge House. Once a hunting lodge, then a monastery protecting a precious phial of Christ’s blood, it was later used by Henry VIII for his children, Mary, Elizabeth and Edward. From Ashridge, Elizabeth set out on her fearful journey to Whitehall, to plead with the queen, her sister, for her life. When the house was acquired by the Egerton family in 1604, it became the home of the Earls and later Dukes of Bridgewater. Pulling down the old building, they replaced it with one of the largest Gothic Revival country houses in England. But the fate of the house rested on repeated struggles with succession that bedevilled the family for centuries, hanging over them like a curse. This woodland walk, which does not enter the house or gardens, explores nearby ancient land and buildings via uneven ground and narrow, muddy tracks that are unsuitable for wheelchairs. Dan would be happy to arrange a separate date specifically for those with mobility issues.

Timings & Tours

Friday 12 September:

9.30am

Saturday 13 September:

9.30am

Saturday 20 September:

9.30am

Location & directions

Ashridge House, Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, HP4 1NS

Contact on day:

Sandra Jenkins

Telephone number:

+447942321901

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

Booking through Eventbrite uk Friday 12th September - booking link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ashridge-house-and-the-curse-of-the-bridgewaters-tickets-1352201012629 Saturday 13th September - booking link https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ashridge-house-and-the-curse-of-the-bridgewaters-tickets-1352208344559 Saturday 20th September - https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ashridge-house-and-the-curse-of-the-bridgewaters-tickets-1352211293379

Booking website:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk

Booking opens:

18 Aug 2025 09:00 AM

Booking closes:

11 Sep 2025 05:00 PM

Accessibility details

The walk around Ashridge House is over uneven ground. It is not suitable for people with mobility issues. Stout walking shoes should be worn. The walk will take about 1.5 hours and is about.

Additional information

Ashridge House is located near Little Gaddesden - Map ref SP975135 It has a coffee shop 'The Bakehouse' on site. Plenty of parking is available You do need to access by car as it is about 4 miles from Berkhamsted Railway Station.

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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