24 February 2025
History of Cuckney House

Cuckney House was originally built by local mill owner Richard Gorton on land leased from the 3rd Earl of Bathhurst in 1787.

Cuckney House 1900s
The Georgian Manor became part of the Welbeck Estate when it was purchased by the 4th Duke of Portland in 1844. Past occupants include the 6th Duke and Duchess of Portland, who moved into Cuckney House for the duration of the repairs to Welbeck Abbey after a fire damaged the Oxford Wing in 1900. The bridal suite is named after the 6th Duchess of Portland.

The Portland Rose 

The Portland Rose or Duchess of Portland Rose is named after the British aristocrat, naturalist, plant lover, and botanist Margaret Cavendish Bentinck, Duchess of Portland. (1715 - 1785). The rose, a rare and ancient variety was brought to her from Italy in 1775, and was named in her honour.

During her life time, Margaret cultivated an enormous collection of natural history, which was tended by two experts she hired to personally attend each item: the naturalist Reverend John Lightfoot and the Swedish botanist Daniel Solander.

Margaret archived her collection at Bulstroud, her London House. She shared her specimens with the public, displaying various collections from around the globe in what was known as The Portland Museum.

On Margaret's death in 1785, her huge collection was sold off. The sale took place in 1786 and lasted 38 days. Perhaps, the most famous item which formed part of her collection was the so-called 'Portland Vase', now held by the British Museum.

The Portland Rose inspired the Cuckney House rose emblem.

Rosa 'Duchess of Portland' Portland rose

A low thicket of slender thorny stems about 80cm tall, and 60cm wide, with green foliage. Very free-flowering, slightly fragrant, single to semi-double cerise-red blooms with occasional white patches at the centre, and a prominent ring of golden stamens, repeat-flowering from early summer to autumn, followed by long, orange-red fruits (hips).

 

Author: Cat Storey, Marketing Manager

Margaret Holles, Duchess of Portland

Weddings at Cuckney House

Cuckney House is an romantic wedding venue for up to fifty guests. Licensed for civil wedding ceremonies the house also offers self-catering accommodation for up to 40 people across 15 bedrooms. 
STAY AT

Cuckney House

Visit Us

There is so much to explore

Search
Follow Us

Subscribe to receive the latest news from The Welbeck Estate.

Subscribe to receive the latest news from The Welbeck Estate.