'For her to be present with him and the group at the table, she was unfortunate enough to be maneuvered awkwardly by her legs in a less-than-dignified manner': Struggles encountered during a country-house elevator ride
In the grand halls of British country houses, a silent revolution has been unfolding - the arrival of the lift. Once a luxury reserved for the opulent, these mechanical marvels have become an integral part of these historic residences.
Queen Victoria's influence was far-reaching, and her installation of lifts in properties such as Osborne House and Buckingham Palace sparked a trend among the aristocracy. Many followed suit, transforming their country houses to keep pace with the times.
One such example is Eastnor Castle in Herefordshire, where a lift constructed in a cage style once struggled with getting stuck. However, it has since been replaced with a more modern counterpart, ensuring smooth journeys for all. The late Lord Snowdon, who had limited mobility due to childhood polio, was among those who used the improved lift.
The lift at Houghton Hall in Norfolk, servicing four floors including the basement, is one of the oldest working lifts in the country. Its installation dates back to the 1920s, making it a popular subject for Instagram enthusiasts.
In West Sussex, Rupert Thompson secretly installed a lift system at Whithurst Park some 20 years ago. The lift was hidden behind an ordinary door, adding an element of mystery to the grand estate.
Warwick Castle in Warwickshire was updated with modern conveniences to cater to the comfort of the 5th Earl of Warwick's new wife, Daisy Greville. The 3rd Marquess of Salisbury at Hatfield House was particularly passionate about electricity, leading to the installation of numerous innovations.
The lift at Waddesdon Manor was installed by Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild in the late 19th century, while the 5th Duke of Portland at Welbeck, Nottinghamshire, installed underground rooms and roadways, among other technological innovations.
Lifts in country houses are now attracting attention from architectural historians as an important part of the house's evolution. The lift at Castle Drogo in Devon, designed by Lutyens, although no longer in use, remains a significant part of the castle's history. A luggage lift remains in daily use at Castle Drogo.
Interestingly, a similar incident occurred at the big house on the Cricket St Thomas estate, where the occupant had to be extracted before meeting Tony Blair.
Our platform, a glossy weekly magazine first published in Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee year, offers a unique blend of witty and informative content that cannot be found elsewhere in print or online. We delve into the fascinating history of these lifts, providing our readers with a captivating journey through time.
From the grandeur of Eastnor Castle to the Instagram-worthy lift at Houghton Hall, the story of lifts in British country houses is a testament to progress and innovation. As we continue to explore these historical residences, we uncover more about the lives of those who lived there, the times they lived in, and the technologies that shaped their world.
