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Stowe is the name shared by an ancient village, country house and school in Buckinghamshire in England. It is situated about 2 miles North-North-East of Buckingham.
Originally the village of Stowe was built in the Anglo Saxon period. Its name refers to an ancient holy place of some eminence with the local community. The village remained in place up until 1712 when the 31 houses of the village was demolished to make way for the extensive gardens of the manor. The small parish church still survives in the shadow of the great house, and Christian worship still takes place there every Sunday.
In the early 17th century, the manor of Stowe was completely rebuilt by Sir Richard Temple, from the old medieval stronghold to what is now the core of the impressive mansion for which the area is known today. Having been redesigned and perfected subsequently over the years, the whole front is now 916 feet in length and is a breathtaking sight as you approach from the direction of Buckingham.
Even at this early stage, Stowe was widely renowned for its magnificent gardens. In the early to mid 18th century leading architects of the day such as William Kent, who had already created the glorious garden at Rousham House, and Giacomo Leoni were employed to build temples, bridges and other garden structures. The gardens became an attraction for many of the nobility, including political leaders. It is said that wars and rebellions were discussed among the garden's many temples, the artwork of the time reflecting this by portraying caricatures of the better known politicians of history.
The long straight driveway that ran from Buckingham, all the way to the front of the house, passing through a 60 foot Corinthian arch on the brow of the hill on the way, made for a breathtaking approach that was very humbling and intimidating for visitors to the house. The driveway approach to the house is still in use today.
From 1784, the house was the seat of the Marquesses of Buckingham. The 2nd Marquess of Buckingham married the heiress of the last Duke of Chandos and was then created Duke of Buckingham and Chandos. The house remained the seat of the Dukes of Buckingham and Chandos until the extinction of that title in 1889, and then of the Earls Temple of Stowe until the early 20th century, when, due to prodigious debts, the house was sold to become a school. Today, Stowe is one of the better known public schools in the world, educating the children of global politicans and celebrities. Alumni include David Niven, Sir Richard Branson and HSH Prince Rainier III of Monaco. The breathtaking landscape gardens, including its many monuments, were acquired by the National Trust in 1990 and are open to the public. The National Trust are currently overseeing a complete restoration program of the grounds, temples and follies.
Within the parish border of Stowe lie the hamlets of Boycott, Dadford and Lamport.
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