Previous Occupants

Hartwell has a remarkable history, stretching back almost a thousand years to the reign of Edward the Confessor. It was the seat of William Peverel son of William the Conqueror, John Earl Mortaigne who succeeded his brother, Richard the Lion Heart, as King of England in 1199 and Louis XVIII, the exiled King of France, who held court at Hartwell from 1808 until 1824. Louis was joined by his Queen, Marie-Josephine of Savoie, the Dutchess d'Angoul°me daughter of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, the Compte d'Artois later Charles X and Gustave IV exiled King of Sweden.

From the 16th to the 20th century the house was in the ownership of the Hampden and Lee families, ancestors of the Confederate General, Robert E. Lee.

A colourful and eccentric occupant of Hartwell House, during the 19th century, was Dr. John Lee who inherited the property through his mother's family. During his time of ownership Hartwell House became a cross between a museum, an astronomical observatory and temperance hall. Dr. lee had travelled extensively in the middle-east collecting manuscripts, coins and medals which he displayed in the then long gallery and old chapel, on the ground floor. His enthusiasm for astronomical studies led him to build a futuristic observatory, projecting from the south-west corner of the house and in 1862 Dr. Lee was made President of the Royal Astronomical society. A philanthropist, Victorian liberal, member of many learned societies and made QC two years before his death, Dr. Lee was also convinced of the ill effects of alcohol and tobacco. Festivals of Peace and Temperance were held in the park, with the local inn-keeper being paid to close his doors to the public.

Hartwell was purchased in 1938 by Thomas Cook, founder of Thomas Cook Travel Agency.