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West Wycombe Park was the
magnificent home of the notorious Dashwood
family. Sir Francis Dashwood was a leader of
the scandalous Hell Fire Club, which dabbled
with occult rituals, many of which were
performed at nearby Medmenham Abbey.
The Palladian mansion is set in grounds
landscaped by both ‘Capability’ Brown and Sir
Humphrey Repton. Dashwood is buried in a
mausoleum in a local hilltop church.
Nearby is Chequers, the 16th century retreat
of British Prime Ministers since 1917. It was
put into the hands of a trust set up by Lord
Lee of Fareham. The property was built on the
site of a 13th century residence owned by
Lawrence de Saccario (meaning ‘chequer’). |
West Wycombe House - Photo:
Jurek and Trish Sienkiewicz
CCL |
