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WOBURN ABBEY
Photograph of Woburn Abbey, created by Viki Male 26/08/04
Near Woburn in Bedfordshire is Woburn Abbey which is the seat of the Duke of Bedford, head of the Russell Family. Henry VIII had originally given the Abbey to Family.
The 4th Duke rebuilt a large part of the Abbey in the 18th century. After World War II, dry rot was discovered and in 1953 half of the Abbey was then demolished and in a sad state of repairs when the 12th Duke died. The family estates had heavy death duties for the second time in thirteen years.
The 13th Duke of Bedford was John who inherited it after his father's death. He opened the Abbey to the public for the first time in 1955. It bacme popular when amusement and the safari park were added. He died at Santa Fe, New Mexico, USA in November of 2002.
Robin was the 14th Duke of Bedford at Woburn Abbey. He ran the Abbey for many years with his wife, Henrietta Tiarks, before he inherited the title on his father Monte Carlo's death. He was the briefest holder of the Dukedom was the 14th Duke of Bedford when he died in June 2003. Andrew, 15th Duke of Bedford and the son of Robin, is now in charge of the Abbey.
The afternoon tea ritual in 19th century England was originated by Anna Maria who was the wife of the 7th Duke of Bedford of Woburn Abbey.
Woburn Abbey photos:
East side of Abbey:
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