Frogmore House, set in the magnificent private Home Park of Windsor Castle, has been a favoured royal retreat for over 300 years.  Built in the 17th century, it was purchased in 1792 for George III’s consort, Queen Charlotte.  Frogmore is no longer an occupied royal residence but is frequently used by the Royal Family for entertaining.

The garden and 18th-century lake were largely the creation of Queen Charlotte, who had a passionate interest in botany.  Over 4,000 trees and shrubs were introduced to create a model ‘picturesque’ landscape, which in the last century was restored by Queen Mary and enhanced for HM The Queen’s Silver Jubilee.  The historic plantings, including tulip trees and redwoods, provide a rich setting for the garden’s seasonal variations.  In summer, the 18th-century Gothic Ruin, used by Queen Victoria as a breakfast and reading room, is clothed in wisteria.

The garden theme is echoed within Frogmore House itself.  The Cross Gallery, which spans the entire breadth of the building, was painted with garlands of flowers by Princess Elizabeth, daughter of George III and Queen Charlotte.  Mary Moser, the renowned 18th-century flower painter, decorated another of the rooms to resemble an arbour open to the skies.

Many works by royal artists are on display at Frogmore House. There are drawings and fine porcelain painted by Queen Charlotte’s eldest daughter, Princess Charlotte; works by Victoria, Duchess of Kent, who lived at Frogmore for many years, and by her daughter, Queen Victoria; and watercolours by Queen Victoria’s daughters, the Princesses Victoria and Louise.

The Colonade Photo: Christopher Simon Sykes

Frogmore is now particularly associated with Queen Victoria.  The charming gothic Tea House and white-marble Indian Kiosk were installed in the grounds during her reign. Queen Victoria’s great affection for Frogmore contributed to her decision to break with royal tradition and build a mausoleum for herself and her husband, Prince Albert, in the garden. Described as one of the most remarkable buildings of the Victorian age, the Frogmore Mausoleum has a richly decorated Renaissance-style interior, dominated by the tomb of the royal couple.

 

Frogmore House, Garden and Mausoleum are open on 15, 16, 17 May, Charity Garden Open Days 10:00–17:30 (last admission 16:00) and 25, 26, 27 August, 10:00–17:30 (last admission 16:00).  The Mausoleum only is open on 23 May, free admission 11:00–15:30. Further information about admission prices and access is available from www.royalcollection.org.uk or 020 7766 7305

Private tours of Frogmore House for pre-booked coach groups are available on Tuesdays, Wednesdays  and  Thursdays  from  2  August  to 29  September, 10:00-15:00.

Please telephone 020 7766 7321 or e-mail groupbookings@royalcollection.org.uk for further information.