Althorp
Built in 1508 by Sir John Spencer, Althorp has brought a sometimes unwelcome dose of fame to the surrounding rural area as the girlhood home of Princess Diana. It was glamorously revived by Raine Spencer, Diana's stepmother. At least part of the beauty and historical authenticity of this frequently renovated site is the result of her efforts.
Since the death of Lord Spencer, Diana's father, the house has been under the jurisdiction of Charles Spencer, Diana's older brother. Its collection includes paintings by Van Dyck, Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Rubens; an assortment of rare French and English furniture; and porcelain by Sèvres, Bow, and Chelsea.
Following the tragic death of Princess Diana in August 1997, a ticket to Althorp House became extremely difficult to obtain. More than 200 24-hour telephone lines handle orders for tickets. Althorp is open to the public only from July 1, Diana's birthday, to August 30.
Diana was buried on an island in an artificial lake on the property. Visitors do not have access to the island but have a clear view of it across the lake. A museum celebrates Diana's life, complete with schoolgirl letters, her stunning silk wedding dress, and some of her haute couture clothes.
The museum also shows poignant films of her as a carefree child dancing in the gardens and later as a mother riding with her sons, William and Harry, plus videos that include the moving footage of her funeral. The museum makes no mention of Dodi Al Fayed who died with her in the Paris car crash, and certainly no mention of her former lover James Hewitt. Her estranged husband is also not featured prominently in the exhibition.
Facilities on-site include a restaurant and a shop selling a range of souvenirs associated with Diana. The estate states that these souvenirs do not "cheapen her memory in any way." You decide.
Built in 1508 by Sir John Spencer, Althorp has brought a sometimes unwelcome dose of fame to the surrounding rural area as the girlhood home of Princess Diana. It was glamorously revived by Raine Spencer, Diana's stepmother. At least part of the beauty and historical authenticity of this frequently renovated site is the result of her efforts.
Since the death of Lord Spencer, Diana's father, the house has been under the jurisdiction of Charles Spencer, Diana's older brother. Its collection includes paintings by Van Dyck, Reynolds, Gainsborough, and Rubens; an assortment of rare French and English furniture; and porcelain by Sèvres, Bow, and Chelsea.
Following the tragic death of Princess Diana in August 1997, a ticket to Althorp House became extremely difficult to obtain. More than 200 24-hour telephone lines handle orders for tickets. Althorp is open to the public only from July 1, Diana's birthday, to August 30.
Diana was buried on an island in an artificial lake on the property. Visitors do not have access to the island but have a clear view of it across the lake. A museum celebrates Diana's life, complete with schoolgirl letters, her stunning silk wedding dress, and some of her haute couture clothes.
The museum also shows poignant films of her as a carefree child dancing in the gardens and later as a mother riding with her sons, William and Harry, plus videos that include the moving footage of her funeral. The museum makes no mention of Dodi Al Fayed who died with her in the Paris car crash, and certainly no mention of her former lover James Hewitt. Her estranged husband is also not featured prominently in the exhibition.
Facilities on-site include a restaurant and a shop selling a range of souvenirs associated with Diana. The estate states that these souvenirs do not "cheapen her memory in any way." You decide.
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