Stowe is the name shared by an ancient village, stately home and school in Buckinghamshire, England. It is situated about 2 miles NNE of Buckingham.
Originally the village of Stowe was built in the Anglo Saxon period. Its name refers to an ancient holy place of some eminence with the local community. The village remained in place up until 1712 when the 31 houses of the village was demolished to make way for the extensive gardens of the manor.
In the early Seventeenth century the manor of Stowe was completely rebuilt, from the old medieval stronghold to the grand noble mansion for which the area is famous today. Having been redesigned and perfected a few times over the years, the whole front is now 916 feet in length and is a breathtaking sight as you approach from the direction of Buckingham.
At this early stage the property of Stowe was widely renowned for its magnificent gardens and became an attraction for many of the nobility, including political leaders. It is said that wars and rebellions were discussed among the garden's many temples, the artwork of the time reflecting this by portraying charicatures of the better known politicians of history.
The long straight driveway that ran from Buckingham all the way to the front of the house, passing through a 60 foot Corinthian arch on the brow of the hill on the way, made for a breathtaking approach that was very humbling and intimidating for visitors to the house. The driveway approach to the house is still in use today.
From 1784 the house was the seat of the Marquis of Buckingham, who owned the house right up to the Twentieth century, when the house was turned into a school. Today it is one of the finest public schoolss in the world, educating the children of global politicans and celebrities.
Within the parish border of Stowe lie the hamletss of Boycott, Dadford and Lamport.
