InfoBritain - Travel Through History In The UK :
Broadlands
Broadlands, Hampshire
Broadlands was the country residence of nineteenth century prime minister Lord Palmerston. Its grandness personifies the swaggering confidence of Palmerston, and of early nineteenth century Britain. For Palmerston, looking out over Capability Brown landscapes at Broadlands, the only consideration was the interests of Britain. Nothing was permanent in the world except those interests. In reality, of course, the ebb and flow of allegiances did not stop at the white cliffs of Dover. Britain was part of a changing world.
Later in its history Broadlands was home of Lord Louis, Earl Mountbatten of Burma, grandson of Queen Victoria. Mountbatten would introduce his nephew Prince Philip to the future Elizabeth II in 1939. When Elizabeth married Philip in 1947, they spent the first part of their honeymoon at Broadlands. Prince Charles and Princess Diana also spent part of their honeymoon here. Famously Diana wrote of the realisation of what she had let herself in for during her time at Broadlands: "... the worst moment was when we got to Broadlands... I just had trememdous hope in me which was slashed by day two... Second night, out came the van der Post novels he hadn't read... Seven of them - they came on our honeymoon. He read them and we had to analyse them over lunch every day" (Diana Her True Story - In Her Own Words by Andrew Morton P42).
At Broadlands there is a collection of portraits of Mountbatten's ancestors, the Dukes of Hesse. These portraits go all the way back to the princes who supported Martin Luther, the founder of Protestantism. They confirm the close identity of British aristocracy, and government with Protestantism.
Earl Mountbatten was killed by an IRA bomb in 1979. His family continue to live at Broadlands today.
Displays at Broadlands describe the careers of both Palmerston and Earl Mountbatten.
Opening Times: Broadlands is now closed. The property will remain closed for major restoration work throughout 2011. It is hoped that Broadlands will reopen from 25th June to 7th September 2012, open Monday to Friday. Further details will be posted when we have them.
Address: Broadlands, Romsey, Hampshire, SO51 9ZD
Directions: Broadlands is near Romsey in Hampshire, a few miles north of Southampton. Leave the M27 at Junction 3 from the north and east, Junction 2 if approaching from the west, and follow signs for Broadlands. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Broadlands.
Access: Wheelchair access is only possible to the ground floor of the Mountbatten exhibition. There are adapted toilet facilities. By prior arrangements disabled visitors can be dropped off near the house, in the Stable Yard.
Contact:
telephone: 01794 505010