This year's outing is to Hughenden, located in in a lovely valley in the Chilterns a few miles from High Wycombe, which was the country home of Benjamin Disraeli, Queen Victoria's favourite Prime Minister, and his wife Mary Anne. In 1804, Disraeli was born at what was then 6 King's Road, which as present-day 22 Theobalds Road, near Holborn Library, is marked with an LCC brown plaque. His parents, writer Isaac and Maria, went to live there 1802-1817 (his four siblings were also born there). The family then lived at 6 Bloomsbury Square from 1817-29, which is recorded by a Bedford Estate plaque. Well-known at first as a novelist, Disraeli was serving as Tory MP for Buckinghamshire when he bought Hughenden Manor. In 1862, the house was 'remodelled' by E B Lamb, the idiosyncratic architect of St Martin's, Gospel Oak. Nonetheless, the house and its contents offer insights into Disraeli's personal and political life, and into its later use as 'Hillside', a secret map-making organisation during World War II. There is also much to explore out of doors: formal and walled gardens, pleasure grounds, and woodland and parkland, where, if we can find it, there is a "champion tree", the UK's largest horse chestnut.

The price per person for coming on the outing is £24 (National Trust members), £34 (NT non-members), to include travel and tip, admission charge (NT non-members), and introductory talk with tea/coffee. No other refreshments are included in the price. The Stableyard cafe serves hot lunches 12-2.30; also sandwiches, cakes and drinks throughout the day; or you are welcome to bring a picnic. Other themed talks (e.g. about Operation Hillside, including visit to the Ice House) and an exhibition on Disraeli the author are available at no extra charge.

There will be three pick-up points, departing promptly as follows:

Camden High Street, outside Marks & Spencer 8.45am  

Hampstead High Street, outside Waterstones  9.00am

Swiss Cottage, outside Swiss Cottage Library  9.15am  

A  booking form was enclosed with the May 2017 Newsletter. The outing is being organised by Jean Archer, 91 Fitzjohn's Avenue, London NW3 6NX. Her phone number, in case of enquiries (including from CHS non-members), is 020 7435 5490. Bookings should be sent to Jean: please enclose a cheque payable to Camden History Society and  a STAMPED ADDRESSED ENVELOPE.