Celebrating the preservation of Nuffield Place
This year’s Bluebell Day was an extra-special occasion! On Sunday 27 April the Warden, members of College, a few local Alumni, legators and Friends of Nuffield Place gathered at Nuffield Place to witness the unveiling of a plaque to acknowledge the role many have played in preserving this historic site.
In 1963 Nuffield Place was bequeathed to Nuffield College by its founder, Lord Nuffield. With the permission of the College and the support of the then Warden Sir Norman Chester, the Friends of Nuffield Place first opened the house to the public in 1978, allowing people to go back in time, with the rooms exactly as they had been in the time of Lord and Lady Nuffield. Over the next 30 years the Friends regularly opened Nuffield Place to the public and community groups, sharing the benefit of Lord Nuffield’s legacy widely.
After nearly 50 years, Nuffield College worked with the National Trust to transfer ownership and management of Nuffield Place, securing its future with the best possible care. The National Trust took over the property in 2012, and it has been a popular site for historians, architects, gardeners and many more visitors ever since. As many members of the Nuffield community will know, the College is delighted to still have three dedicated days each year when Fellows, students and staff are welcome to visit Lord Nuffield’s former home, including on Bluebell Day when everyone can explore the stunning bluebell woods.
It is thanks to the tireless work of the Friends of Nuffield Place and many members of Nuffield College that the house has remained in such a fine state and been successfully passed on to the National Trust. We were delighted to turn this year’s Bluebell Day into a celebration of this great achievement, and we gladly welcomed several special guests: Kevin Minns, Chair of the Friends of Nuffield Place; Joanna Gamester, who was House Steward of the property for many years; and Sebastian Conway from the National Trust, together with volunteers who organised tours of the house back in the day, and many others with strong ties to the house. The only low point was that our former Bursar Gwilym Hughes was not able to join us for this sunny day, as he had been instrumental over the years too. We thank everyone for all they have done for Nuffield Place.