History of Benham Park

The history of Benham Park reaches back to the Elizabethan period, when Benham Valence Manor was granted by Queen Elizabeth I to her Italian tutor, Giovanni Battista Castiglione, in 1570. Over the following centuries, the estate passed through a succession of families. The house we see today was built in the late 18th century for William Craven, 6th Baron Craven.

Completed in 1775, the mansion was designed by the distinguished architect Henry Holland, with its surrounding landscape shaped by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. The resulting Georgian house became the home of William's widow, Lady Elizabeth Craven and, her second husband Alexander, Margrave of Brandenburg-Ansbach, a former German prince. At this time, the house was known for culture and hospitality, as Lady Elizabeth Craven welcomed guests to the estate, establishing a tradition of entertaining that continues to shape Benham Park today.

Benham Park’s refined Neoclassical architecture, sweeping original staircase and elegant Circular Hall remain defining features of the house. Although the estate has undergone alterations over the centuries, including significant architectural changes in the 20th century and a change in its use, much of its historic character and sense of grandeur have remained.

Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Benham Park was the seat of the Sutton baronets. In 1982, the house was sold and subsequently adapted for corporate use, serving as a base for a number of companies. Following an extensive programme of restoration, Benham Park has since been returned to its former splendour, preserving its architectural heritage, while redesigning its interiors with the help of London-based interior designers, Albion Nord. Once again Benham Park is able to open its doors to guests for private events within an exceptional historic setting.

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Auction Details

Tuesday 27 & Wednesday 28 October 2026, 10.30am BST
The auction will take place at Dreweatts Newbury (Donnington Priory, Newbury, Berkshire RG14 2JE).

Bidding is available in person at our salerooms, online, by telephone or you can leave commission (absentee) bids.

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VIEWING: 

Please note that the auction will be on view at Benham Park, except for select garden items which will be on view at Donnington Priory.

• Viewing at Benham Park: Speen, Newbury RG20 8LU
  • Friday 23 October: 10am-4pm
  • Saturday 24 October 10am-3pm
  • Sunday 25 October: 10am-3pm
  • Monday 26 October: 10am-4pm
• Dreweatts 360 Virtual Auction Tour | Available from Friday 23 October

Further Information: 
General enquiries: + 44 (0) 1635 553 553 | furniture@dreweatts.com
Press enquiries: press@dreweatts.com 

Benham Park

Website: benhampark.com
Instagram: @benham.park

Tel: +44 (0) 7966 646 782

Benham Park, Speen, Benham Valence, Newbury, Berkshire RG20 8LU