Today, the house is a popular destination for weddings
A manor house that’s popular for weddings was used to house Belgians during the First World War. The war was a time of fear and uncertainty, as normal life was turned upside down.
Many people had to flee their home countries, including some that left Belgian and found safety in Cambridgeshire. In August 1914, Germany invaded Belgium.
This forced around 250,000 Belgians to flee their home country and find refuge in Britain. To help in the effort, local communities and large houses were used to try and help house people in need.
Histon Manor was used to accommodate Belgian refugees between 1914 and 1918. Before it was used in the war effort, the house had a “colourful history”, according to the Histon Manor website.
Between 1877 and 1897, the house was owned by William Peed. He made significant changes to the building, including reducing the three-storey hall to a two-storey manor house.
Peed appeared to be a country gentleman on the surface, but a newspaper quote from 1897 put paid to that image. One morning, he disappeared owing millions of pounds. He left his wife and children penniless.
Today, the house is owned by The Biggs family, who bought it in 2018. While it is still a home, it can be used for weddings.
On the manor website, it said it’s a “discreet venue of understated luxury, coupled with warmth and charm”. Its vast front lawn is a perfect place for a marquee.
Within its 11 acres of grounds, it includes four separate formal gardens, woodlands, an island and a moat. It’s described as “one of Cambridge’s most sought after shoot locations”, as it is a great place to take photos.
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