Claydon House

Claydon is a Georgian home notable for its association with Florence Nightingale, and its truly remarkable interior carved decoration. The house itself is an unpretentious 18th century rectangle in the classical style, with a large porticoed entry.

If the exterior is unremarkable, the interior is a real stunner. The rococco decoration is probably the most striking in all of England. A series of rooms are embellished in Chinese and Gothic style, with incredibly ornate carvings by Luke Lightwood. The effect almost defies description, as Lightfoot let his eccentric brilliance run wild. More restrained by comparison is the wonderful plasterwork of Joseph Rose.

Rose and Lightfoot were employed by Lord Verney, who transformed his Jacobean family estate into the more fashionable Georgian home we see today. Verney's creation sits on a rise looking over peaceful parkland, and is flanked by a wonderful medieval church. Within the church is a huge monument to Sir Edmund Verney, killed at the Battle of Edgehill in 1642.

In the 19th century the second Baronet Verney married Parthenope, sister of Florence Nightingale. Florence was a frequent visitor to Claydon, and her bedroom on the second floor contains many of her personal effects and momentoes, including letters, clothing, and her travelling communion set.