This leathery rat’s tail is believed to have been sent back to Audley End in 1854 as a macabre joke, by Henry and Grey Neville, two of the 3rd Lord and Lady Braybrooke’s eight children. The brothers were fighting in the Crimean War and both lost their lives during the conflict. 

These giant-sized leather and iron boots date from the 17th century. A postilion was a man who rode one of a pair of horses that pulled a coach. It could be very dangerous if a leg became caught between the two horses, so a postilion boot was worn as protection. 

Experience a world of hierarchy, discipline, long hours and hard labour, through film projections, introductory wall displays and even traditional food from the era. If you’re really lucky, you might even get to meet Audley End’s Victorian cook turned YouTube star, Mrs Crocombe!

Audley End has some remarkable Jacobean plasterwork ceilings, and the most impressive example is to be found in the saloon. Dating from the early 17th century, the design features an array of maritime references, thought to commemorate the achievements of Thomas Howard, 1st Earl of Suffolk. 

Richard Neville, third son of the 3rd Baron Braybrooke, was an avid collector of natural history. He was particularly keen on ornithology, and during the 19th century he created one of the most extensive collections of stuffed birds in the country. These specimens, which are displayed within large glazed cases in naturalistic settings, dominate the picture gallery at Audley End. 

This three-storey doll’s house, dating from the 1830s, was used by the children of the 3rd Baron Braybrooke. The glazed doors open to reveal furnished rooms. Many of their interiors and furnishings were enhanced by the children, using fabrics and papers available at Audley End at that time. The doll’s house can now be seen in the nursery.

The Countess of Portsmouth moved the kitchen garden to its present site – out of view of the house – in the 1750s. An orangery was added in the 1770s but this was succeeded by the present vine house in 1811, which was restored in the 1990s.

Visit the resident horses and get up close to the reality of daily life in a Victorian stable - in all its mucky, smelly glory. Follow the horses throughout the day, explore the exhibition and try some dressing up.

The Place Pond marks the surviving remains of what was once a monastic fishpond. Its formal rectangular shape was visible on early maps and views, but the shape was softened in the late 18th century. Duck food is available to purchase to feed the many ducks living at Audley End.

Located to the south-west of the house is a 1983 memorial to the Polish soldiers of the Special Operations Executive, who were based in the house during the Second World War. After they were trained here, soldiers were dropped by parachute into their German-occupied home country.