Centuries of stories
Our History
Throughout its rich 200-year history, Bedford Lodge Hotel & Spa has changed hands and identities many times. Featuring a string of characters who were hugely influential in British society, ours is not a short tale — but it’s one well worth hearing.
The hunting lodge
Where it all began
Built around 1820 as a private hunting lodge for John Russell, the sixth Duke of Bedford, the estate was the kind of countryside escape only the aristocracy could dream up. The Duke, father to two-time Prime Minister John Russell, oversaw the construction of the house, stables, and a cottage.
His son Francis, known as the Marquis of Tavistock, was a businessman, politician and peer of the House of Lords. Most importantly, Francis’ wife Anna Maria is credited with inventing the national tradition of afternoon tea — an almighty feather in our cap!
The racing years
From stable blocks to derby glory
When the seventh Duke passed away, the estate was bought by legendary racehorse owner Sir Joseph Hawley, before changing hands twice again in quick succession — first to trainer William Butler, then to Joe Dawson, who added the main range of stables in 1864.
After Dawson’s death in 1880, the estate was taken over by Captain James Octavius Machell — a sharp racing mind with an eye for winners. He earned a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the only owner to have trained horses that won the Grand National, the Derby and the 2000 Guineas.
The Squire Baird
Our most eccentric character
In 1885, Machell extended the house to include extra accommodation and a saloon built specially for boxing matches hosted by the estate’s colourful lessee, George Alexander Baird. Or ‘The Squire’, as he was popularly known.
A notorious figure in the racing world of the 19th century, Baird left such a lasting impression that he is commemorated in the name of our award-winning restaurant, Squires.
New owners, new names
A time of change and renewal
After Baird’s death in 1893, the property was sold to Frederick Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby — the same man who gave ice hockey the Stanley Cup — who further extended the lodge.
In the 1920s and for the first time in its history, Bedford Lodge’s name was changed – retitled Calvin House by Lord Beaverbrook. But by the 1930s, things came full circle when the name was restored by champion jockey and trainer Harry Wragg and his family.
A new chapter begins
Our much-loved hotel makes its start
In the 1940s, Bedford Lodge became a family-run hotel and, in that role, has enjoyed decades of success ever since. Today, it’s a modern retreat rooted in history — with timeless charm, elegant surroundings, and as you now know, a fascinating story behind every brick.