Frogmore House

Standing in Frogmore Gardens, about a kilometre south of Windsor Castle in Windsor Home Park, the original house was built in 1680-1684 by Charles II's architect Hugh May for his nephew Thomas May. The name derives from the preponderance of frogs which have always lived in this low-lying and marshy area.

Related Topics:
Windsor Castle - Windsor Home Park - 1680 - 1684 - Charles II - Hugh May

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In 1792 Queen Charlotte, wanting a country retreat for herself and her unmarried daughters, purchased the lease. James Wyatt was employed to enlarge and modernise the house. On her death in 1818, Frogmore House passed to her eldest unmarried daughter, Princess Augusta. After the Princess's death in 1840 Queen Victoria gave it to her mother the Duchess of Kent. The Duchess died there in 1861.

Related Topics:
1792 - Charlotte - James Wyatt - 1818 - Augusta - 1840 - Duchess of Kent - 1861

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The house was home 1866-1873 to Princess Helena, third daughter of Queen Victoria, and her husband Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Since then the Royal Family have used the home intermittently. In 1900 the future Earl Mountbatten of Burma was born there. From 1902 to 1910 the future King George V and Queen Mary were frequent residents. From 1925 until her death in 1953 Queen Mary collected and arranged in the house souvenirs of the Royal Family, making it a sort of private museum.

Related Topics:
1866 - 1873 - Helena - Queen Victoria - Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein - Royal Family - 1900 - Earl Mountbatten of Burma - 1902 - 1910 - George V - Mary - 1925 - 1953

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During the 1980's the house underwent extensive restoration. In 1988 it was planned that the newly married Duke and Duchess of York would move into Frogmore House, but they decided against doing so. The house was opened to the public in 1990. It is open in the second week in August to the end of September each year.

Related Topics:
1988 - Duke and Duchess of York - 1990

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Frogmore House has 18 bedrooms, and a number of rooms retain eighteenth and nineteenth century decoration. These include the Duchess of Kent's sitting room, Mary Moser's Room, Cross Gallery, and a dining room by Wyatt.

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In the 33 acre gardens, which are open when the house is, are a Green Pavilion, a nearby Gothic Temple, and a Tea House.

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