Polesden Lacey

Main hall with stairs and tapestries on first floor landing

Chandelier

Polesden Lacey was bequeathed to the National Trust on the death of its owner, Dame Margaret Helen Greville, Hon Mrs Greville, in 1942. Described as a society hostess and philanthropist, she came from fairly humble origins, being the illegitimate daughter of the brewing millionaire, William McEwan of Glasgow and Helen Anderson, wife of one of the brewery workers. Mr McEwan married Mrs Anderson when her husband died and the family moved to London when Margaret was about twelve as her father became a member of parliament.

Ensuite bathroom

Margaret married the Hon, Ronald Greville in 1891, aged 28. He was the heir to the Greville Baronetcy and a great friend of Edward VII. They bought Poleden Lacey in 1906 and set about making it a country retreat where they could entertain their rich and influential friends. Sadly, Ronald never really got to enjoy the renovation and extension of the house as he died in 1908. Margaret never remarried and lived there until her death 1942. They had no children.

The Italian Room

 

 Mrs Greville inherited her father’s wealth in 1913 and continued the family interest on the board of McEwan’s. She also continued to entertain her friends at Polesden Lacey, becoming an close intimate of Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth’s grandmother, as well as other members of the Royal Family. She left jewellery and money to the Queen Mother and Princess Margaret and her will included many bequests to her godchildren and members of her household. One of these was an annuity to her chauffeur who also received her cars.

In the garden

The view through the potting shed window

Enjoying the sweeping view across the grounds

 

We had a wonderful day visiting Polesden Lacey; enjoying the interior of the house as well as the beautiful gardens. The house once boasted 15 bedrooms, nine of which were ensuite, quite unusual even in the early half of the 20^th century; and the gardens are divided into several different areas such as the rose garden hidden away behind walls, the kitchen gardens, the dogs’ cemetery and the lady garden where Mrs. Greville is buried. Her father is buried in the nearby Bookham Churchyard.

We enjoyed refreshments in the newly built visitor area, there is a café in the farm shop as well as a restaurant in the courtyard, all accessible without the need to enter the property.

Polesden Lacey
Mrs Greville's will