George Hamilton, 1st Earl of Orkney lived here at Cliveden from 1696-1737. He was a celebrated soldier and a major player in the famed battle of Blenheim in 1704. Despite his renown, he was a shy, modest gentleman and Cliveden became his country retreat. He set about making his mark on the estate, hiring Venetian architect Giacomo Leoni to design two beautiful structures here: the Octagon Temple (now the chapel) and Blenheim Pavilion in 1727, proposed as a nod to his military success. Leoni’s original drawings suggest the Pavilion was designed for dining, relaxing and bathing, believe it or not. Yes, some evidence actually points to the fact that a hot plunge bath was once intended here. If it was actually built as planned, this would’ve been the perfect spot for Orkney to relax and unwind with friends. An 18th Century man cave, if you will.
nationaltrust.org.uk/cliveden/projects/blenheim-pavilion

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Elevation 130 m

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Location: Hedsor, Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, South East England, England, United Kingdom

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Blenheim Pavilion

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