Explore the archive

With records covering 150 years of the Rothschilds’ residence at Waddesdon the archive collections contain a wealth of useful information for the history of Waddesdon Manor, the Rothschild family and both national and international affairs. Although there are gaps in the archives we hold a wealth of information about art, horticulture, social, economic and political history, estate management and the people involved. These stories are found in letters, diaries, reports, photographs, maps, plans, architectural drawings, surveys, ledgers and staff cards.

We also hold records relating to the Rothschilds’ wider interests in Palastine & Israel; at the archaeological site of Butrint in Albania; and the art market through the business archive of P & D Colnaghi.

At present, only a small proportion of Waddesdon’s archive collections are online, but more information is being added on a regular basis. Please email the team to make an appointment or to discuss your research further on:

archive@waddesdon.org.uk or 01296 653413

Please note, if you are a commercial gallery enquiring about the Colnaghi archive this will need referring to the gallery and may incur a cost.