Aug. 16, 2026 at 10:30 a.m.

Ponsonby Women Tour

Name: Ponsonby Women Tour
Start: 2026-08-16T10:30:00
End: 2026-08-16T23:59:59.999999
Location: Stansted Park

Stansted Park

Join us for a special tour, focusing on the fascinating stories of the Ponsonby women. From Henrietta Ponsonby, Countess of Bessborough's political campaigning in the eighteenth century to Lady Moyra Ponsonby's experiences as a nurse during the Second World War, this tour of the beautiful State Rooms of Stansted House will explore the lives of the women whose portraits and photographs decorate the property today. During the tour, you will also have the opportunity to see items from the collection that are not usually on display during our public opening.

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MORE ABOUT THIS LOCATION

STANSTED PARK

Wander through the historic Servants' Quarters at Stansted Park, where the echoes of a bygone era come to life. Find tranquility in the elegant St. Paul’s Chapel, a hidden gem of spiritual serenity. Then, lose yourself in the exhilarating twists and turns of the Yew Maze.

Stansted Park

Situated within 1,800 acres of landscaped parkland and ancient forest in West Sussex, Stansted Park stands as a testament to England's rich architectural and social history. The estate's origins trace back to at least 1094, when a hunting lodge was established for Roger de Montgomery, 1st Earl of Arundel. Over the centuries, Stansted Park has evolved through various reconstructions and ownerships, each leaving an indelible mark on its character.

In 1688, Richard Lumley, 1st Earl of Scarbrough, commissioned a new house on the current site, likely designed by the architect William Talman. This construction featured formal gardens, radiating avenues, and expansive parkland. The estate later passed to George Montagu-Dunk, 2nd Earl of Halifax, who, upon his death in 1771, bequeathed it to his daughter, Anna Donaldson. The property underwent significant modifications in 1782 under subsequent ownership. A devastating fire in 1900 destroyed the main block, but it was meticulously rebuilt in 1903 by architect Arthur Blomfield, adhering to the original footprint and style.

In 1924, Vere Ponsonby, 9th Earl of Bessborough, acquired Stansted Park, transforming it into a cherished family residence. During World War II, the estate played a pivotal role, sheltering orphans from Southsea and serving as a hub for the Home Guard. The house endured wartime adversities, including bombings that impacted the grounds and the tragic loss of the estate's theatre in 1942.

In 1983, Frederick Ponsonby, 10th Earl of Bessborough, established the Stansted Park Foundation, a charitable trust dedicated to preserving the estate for public benefit. Today, visitors can explore the grand state rooms, delve into the fully furnished servants' quarters, and find solace in the richly decorated Chapel of St. Paul, which once inspired poet John Keats. The estate also features a yew maze and extensive gardens, offering a glimpse into England's storied past.

Stansted Park remains a vibrant emblem of English heritage, and under the stewardship of the Stansted Park Foundation, the estate continues to enchant visitors, providing a tangible connection to the nation's rich cultural tapestry.