Swindon Group
About the event
7pm to 9pm, Thursday 20 February 2025
Don't miss our next Free Talk of the New Year: " Lydiard House And The St. John Family"
Lydiard House and Park are all that remain of a once great estate which belonged to the St,John family, Viscounts Bolingbroke, for over 500 years. You can see their portraits, from Elizabethan times onwards, in the elegant State Rooms of Lydiard House and monuments to them adorn the adjacent Church of St. Mary’s.
The St. John’s story is inseparable from the great events of British history, affected by their kinship to the Tudor monarchy and played out in their tragic involvement in the bloody Civil War.
Political fame in the 18th century was followed by years of financial decline triggered by the 2nd Vsct. Bolingbroke’s penchant for gambling and lavish expenditure. As the St. John’s fortunes declined Lydiard House fell into increasing neglect, eventually leading to its sale to Swindon Corporation in 1943.
The St. John’s departure was by no means the end of the story. Swindon Corporation’s purchase and restoration of Lydiard House and Park, is a remarkable tale of vision and determination, shared and remembered by many thousands of people to this day.
Refreshments will be available as usual. There is also free parking but do please register your car on arrival at reception. There will also be information on future events coming up, opportunities to view past club magazines and socialise in the bar.
Members and their guests are welcome to join us please respond to the Eventbrite invitation to book you free tickets.
Price
Free
The Holiday Inn, Swindon, SN3 6AQ
