Stowe Gardens offer poignant reminder of sacrifice during Remembrance events
We're hearing more about the historical significance of Stowe Gardens during the Second World War and its role in shaping the community's remembrance
As the nation comes together to remember the sacrifices made by soldiers during the two World Wars, Stowe Gardens serves as a reminder of the area's importance during wartime. In this year's Remembrance events, the site reflects on the role it played during the Second World War, offering a chance for visitors to connect with history while honouring those who served.
During the war, Stowe, like many other stately homes and gardens across the UK, had a very different role than the one it plays today. The estate, with its sprawling grounds and proximity to key military centres, became a place of strategic importance. Although the gardens themselves were largely spared from direct military conflict, the house became home to soldiers and evacuees, and the grounds were used for various purposes related to the war effort.
As part of a series of educational talks and displays, visitors are invited to explore how Stowe's gardens were utilised during the war. The estate's vast grounds were transformed into temporary accommodation for the military and for children evacuated from London. Stowe House, originally built as a private residence, became a temporary military hospital and training base.
“During the war, Stowe House and its grounds were places of both respite and preparation,” says Tanya Britton, General Manager of Stowe and Aylesbury Vale National Trust properties. “Stowe's role was not just as a place of beauty, but as part of the national effort to keep people safe and to support the military in various ways. It’s important for us to remember how this space was part of the wartime experience for so many people.”
The gardens, although maintained throughout the war years, were also subject to the restrictions of wartime. For example, sections of the estate were used for food production as part of the government’s "Dig for Victory" campaign. This initiative, designed to help the country produce more food and reduce reliance on imports, saw the planting of vegetables and crops in various areas, changing the landscape of Stowe Gardens for the duration of the war.
Another significant feature of the estate’s wartime history is its connection to the local community. People from nearby villages often found work on the estate, either in the gardens or through other war-related roles, such as munitions production or helping with the care of soldiers and evacuees. The area’s proximity to key transport routes also meant that Stowe was a point of passage for soldiers travelling to and from the frontlines, and the community played a vital role in supporting their efforts.
The site's role during the war has not been forgotten, and each year, the National Trust marks Remembrance with special services and activities. This year’s events will feature readings of letters and diaries from those who lived and worked at Stowe during the war. The National Trust will also continue to explore the stories of those who served, giving visitors a chance to reflect on the personal histories tied to the estate.
As people gather at Stowe Gardens this November, the quiet beauty of the landscape offers a space for reflection. The estate’s connection to the past, particularly its role during the war, underscores the importance of Remembrance and the ongoing need to recognise the sacrifices made by previous generations.
“Stowe is not just a place of beauty, but a place with deep ties to the local community and the wider history of the war,” says Britton. “By reflecting on its wartime history, we honour the memory of those who lived and worked here, and those who gave their lives for our country. It’s a way for all of us to connect with history and understand its significance in the world we live in today.”
The Remembrance events at Stowe Gardens continue to offer a reflective space for visitors, ensuring the sacrifices of those who served in wartime are not forgotten. As part of the ongoing education efforts, the National Trust invites people to discover more about Stowe’s role during the war through exhibitions and guided tours that provide insights into its wartime history and the people who experienced it.