Hughenden Manor

Today we met friends at Hughenden Manor near High Wycombe, the home of the 19th Century Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli.  An interesting house and one with a 'homely' feel to it, and with some interesting exhibitions about Disraeli himself and about the use of the house during WWII as a secret centre for map making.  I rather liked one comment made by Disraeli in reference to his contemporary William Gladstone, who he disliked. Musing on the difference between an unfortunate occurrence and a catastrophe, he said that if Gladstone were walking by the River Thames and fell in, it would be an unfortunate occurrence, but if someone were to pull him out, it would be a catastrophe.  I rather think that might apply to one or two politicians today.

My picture is of one of two magnificent 'Bug Hotels' we came across in the gardens; this was 'Bugenden Manor', the other 'Bugingham Palace'!  Oh, and I've added an extra of the lovely Mrs H sporting her new outfit.