Cliveden-National Trust

Описание: *Filmed in early February*
Today, Cliveden is managed by the National Trust and operates as a luxury hotel, but its political legacy remains one of its most intriguing aspects.

Cliveden, in Buckinghamshire, has a fascinating political history, especially as a hub for high society and political influence in the 20th century.

The Astors and Political Influence

One of Cliveden’s most politically significant periods was when it was owned by the Astor family. William Waldorf Astor purchased it in 1893, and later, it became the residence of his son, Viscount Waldorf Astor, and his wife, Nancy Astor. Nancy Astor made history by becoming the first female MP to take a seat in the House of Commons in 1919.

Cliveden became a gathering place for influential political figures, including prime ministers and royalty. The “Cliveden Set,” an informal group of aristocrats, politicians, and intellectuals, was associated with the house in the 1930s. The group, which included figures like Lord Halifax, was criticized for its perceived appeasement of Nazi Germany.

The Profumo Affair (1960s)

Cliveden’s most notorious political scandal was the Profumo Affair in the early 1960s. At a Cliveden party hosted by Lord Astor, British War Secretary John Profumo met Christine Keeler, a 19-year-old model who was also involved with a Soviet naval attaché. Their affair became a Cold War scandal when it was revealed that Keeler had simultaneous relationships with both men, raising national security concerns. The scandal led to Profumo’s resignation and contributed to the downfall of Prime Minister Harold Macmillan’s government.