History of Longleat in Timeline

Longleat is a Grade I listed stately home located near Warminster in Wiltshire, England. Constructed as an early example of an Elizabethan prodigy house, it serves as the seat of the Marquesses of Bath.

1905: Birth of Henry Thynne, 6th Marquess of Bath

In 1905, Henry Thynne, the 6th Marquess of Bath, was born.

1932: Birth of Alexander Thynn, 7th Marquess of Bath

In 1932, Alexander Thynn, the 7th Marquess of Bath, was born. He later became known for his artistic endeavors and the creation of mazes on the property.

1946: Inheritance and Opening to the Public

In 1946, Henry Thynne, the 6th Marquess of Bath, inherited Longleat. Faced with substantial death duties, he made the decision to sell off large portions of the wider estate to ensure the survival of Longleat. As part of this effort, he opened Longleat House to public visitors, marking a significant shift towards commercial operation.

1949: Opening to the Public

In 1949, Longleat became the first stately home in Britain to be opened to the public on a commercial basis, marking a significant turning point in its history and influencing other estates.

1959: Filming of Libel

In 1959, the movie Libel was filmed at Longleat.

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1966: Longleat Safari Park Opening

In 1966, Longleat Safari Park opened, becoming the first drive-through safari park outside of Africa.

1968: Grade I Listed Building Designation

In 1968, Longleat House was designated as a Grade I listed building, recognizing its exceptional architectural and historical significance.

1972: Notification of Longleat Woods as SSSI

In 1972, Longleat Woods was designated as a biological Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Somerset.

1974: Ceawlin Thynn was born

In 1974, Ceawlin Thynn, the 8th Marquess of Bath, was born.

1983: Doctor Who 20th Anniversary Event

In 1983, Longleat hosted an event celebrating the 20th anniversary of the BBC science-fiction television series Doctor Who at Easter.

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1987: Grade I Listing for Gardens and Parkland

In 1987, the formal gardens, pleasure grounds, and parkland at Longleat were listed as Grade I on the Register of Historic Parks and Gardens of special historic interest, highlighting their historical importance.

1992: Death of Henry Thynne, 6th Marquess of Bath

In 1992, Henry Thynne, the 6th Marquess of Bath, passed away.

1993: Filming of Toni Braxton's Breathe Again music video

In 1993, the music video for Toni Braxton's single "Breathe Again" was filmed at Longleat House and gardens.

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2000: Filming of Mohabbatein

In 2000, the Indian Hindi film Mohabbatein was filmed at Longleat House.

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2002: Recovery of Stolen Titian Artwork

In 2002, the Titian artwork "Rest on the Flight into Egypt," which had been stolen from Longleat in January 1995, was recovered in London. It was found inside a plastic shopping bag.

2005: Red Bull Air Race Staged

In 2005, Longleat hosted the Red Bull Air Race, marking a significant event for the estate.

2005: Bath Lead Lining Replacement

In 2005, the lead lining in the bathroom's coopered tub at Longleat House was replaced.

2006: Filming of How to Improve Your Memory

In 2006, the BBC show How to Improve Your Memory was filmed at Longleat.

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September 2011: Lion Cub Births and Disney Promotion

In September 2011, four lion cubs were born at Longleat, bringing the total number of cubs born that year to ten. As part of a co-promotion agreement for the upcoming Lion King 3D film, Disney named two of the cubs Simba and Nala.