Cannizaro House
Wimbledon, London, England
The building one sees today is, alas, largely an early 20th century reconstruction of the original house built around 1705 by a gentleman called William Browne. Regrettably, the property was badly damaged by a fire in October 1900, although it is said that the original foundations and many of the surviving walls were incorporated into the new structure.
Originally known as Warren House, it owes its present name to Francis Plamonte, Duke of Cannizaro, who leased the house between 1817 and 1841 (although he returned to Italy in 1832 leaving his wife, Sophie, as sole occupier). Other former owners and residents include Lyde Brown (a director of the Bank of England), Henry Dundas MP, the splendidly-named Sir Reginal Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax, and Maharaja Duleep Singh.
However, it is its connection with a Mrs Mary Schuster which connects it to several notable figures from history. Indeed, her lavish garden parties attracted large numbers of guests including the likes of Oscar Wilde, Lord Tennyson, and Henry James.
The Cannizaros themselves are also known to have entertained historic figures such as the Duke of Wellington, while George III and Prime Minister William Pitt (the Younger) were both frequent guests of Henry Dundas. In fact, it is said that Dundas and Pitt engaged in heavy drinking sessions at the house, no doubt involving vast quantities of port which was known to be the latter's preferred tipple.
Now part of Hotel du Vin, Cannizaro House has recently been refurbished and today offers 48 guest bedrooms, including Suites and Deluxe Doubles with views across Cannizaro Park itself.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, home of the Wimbledon Championships, is a little over a mile away.
See the Historic Hotels in London index
Originally known as Warren House, it owes its present name to Francis Plamonte, Duke of Cannizaro, who leased the house between 1817 and 1841 (although he returned to Italy in 1832 leaving his wife, Sophie, as sole occupier). Other former owners and residents include Lyde Brown (a director of the Bank of England), Henry Dundas MP, the splendidly-named Sir Reginal Plunkett-Ernle-Erle-Drax, and Maharaja Duleep Singh.
However, it is its connection with a Mrs Mary Schuster which connects it to several notable figures from history. Indeed, her lavish garden parties attracted large numbers of guests including the likes of Oscar Wilde, Lord Tennyson, and Henry James.
The Cannizaros themselves are also known to have entertained historic figures such as the Duke of Wellington, while George III and Prime Minister William Pitt (the Younger) were both frequent guests of Henry Dundas. In fact, it is said that Dundas and Pitt engaged in heavy drinking sessions at the house, no doubt involving vast quantities of port which was known to be the latter's preferred tipple.
Now part of Hotel du Vin, Cannizaro House has recently been refurbished and today offers 48 guest bedrooms, including Suites and Deluxe Doubles with views across Cannizaro Park itself.
The All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, home of the Wimbledon Championships, is a little over a mile away.
See the Historic Hotels in London index
Online Booking and Reviews for Cannizaro House Hotel, London
Cannizaro House
Westside Wimbledon Common London SW19 4UE Reviews and Booking. Please note that nightsinthepast.com plays no part in the actual review, booking or reservation process for Cannizaro House or any other accommodation. Costs for maintaining and developing Nights in the Past is met solely by it being the last referring site to our partners which results in a completed reservation. |