A Garden Party at Cumberland Lodge

Following our highly successful dinner at Windsor Castle, we are now planning to hold sumptuous garden party with wines and food at the exclusive Cumberland Lodge, with beautiful vistas over the Windsor Great Park. In the event of it not being a wonderful summer’s evening, we will be in the Drawing Room.

Cumberland Lodge is a 17th-century Grade II listed country house in Windsor Great Park 3 miles south of Windsor Castle.  It is not open to the general public.  Some of you will remember seeing shots of the Lodge in the 2010 film The King’s Speech.  Since 1947 it has been occupied by the charitable foundation known as Cumberland Lodge, an educational charity and social enterprise that exists to empower young people to lead the conversation around social division. The gardens of Cumberland Lodge are Grade I listed on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens  .  We will have a talk about the history of the building and its current role.

The house was built by John Byfield, an army captain, in 1650 when Oliver Cromwell divided up and sold off lots in Windsor Great Park. The house was called Byfield House until 1670. It was then renamed New Lodge, and at times was also known as Windsor Lodge or Ranger Lodge. After the Restoration, King Charles II made the house the official residence of the Ranger of the Great Park – a Crown appointment always held by someone close to the Sovereign  – until recently Prince Philip.

Among those who have lived at the Lodge were: Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough(1702–1744); John Churchill, 1st Duke of Marlborough who died there in 1722; Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein (after their marriage in 1866).

In 1936 Cumberland Lodge was used for meetings between Alexander Hardinge (the King’s Private Secretary) and Stanley Baldwin (the Prime Minister), which eventually led to the abdication of Edward VIII.

In 1947 King George VI granted Cumberland Lodge to a new educational foundation, with Amy Buller as its Warden and Sir Walter Moberly as its Principal.  Queen Elizabeth II became patron of the charity in 2003 and  the role has now been assumed by King Charles III .

  Our three course menu of substantial canapés will be as follows.  It will be accompanied by appropriate red and white wines.

Spiced Cornish Crab Cake, Avocado Purée
Ballotine of Prawn and Smoked Salmon
Mushroom and Parmesan Croquette
Parma Ham, Mozzarella, and Tomato Roll 

Fillet Steak Sandwich
Venison Cottage Pie
Lobster Risotto 

Strawberry Meringue
Chocolate and Vanilla Profiterole
Stilton, Brie and Montgomery, Chutney, and Bread

Early booking would be appreciated to enable us to confirm numbers with the venue.

There is the possibility of staying overnight if you wish, at a cost of around £220 per room B&B.  Please email when you book if you wish to take advantage of this option.
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Nearest Railway Station:  Egham 3 miles.
Access is via the Bishopsgate entrance to Windsor Great Park.
Parking is available on site
Mobility: 2 – Ground Floor Access
Dress Code: Smart Casual.
Contact: Alan Shepherd
Email: bookings@iwfs.london Tel: 01784 774445