A Goodwood Christmas, Traditions of The Duke of Richmond

22nd November 2024

Goodwood House transforms into something magical every Christmas. The traditions of the Gordon Lennox family are upheld with great care and reverence, resonating with warmth and togetherness. In an exclusive Q&A for The Kennels Membership newsletter, Woof!, The Duke of Richmond shares his cherished memories and insights into what makes Christmas at Goodwood special, especially those of his grandmother, Elizabeth ‘Betty’ Richmond.

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  • Goodwood House Tea and Tour

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What are some of your favourite memories of Christmas as a child at Goodwood?

"My favourite memories of Christmas at Goodwood are simply the feel, look and smell of it all. The House lends itself so well to that time of year, and as a child, it all looked even more fabulous. The tree was enormous in the main hall, always specially selected by the Head Forester, and it looked magnificent. My Grandmother was always a wonderful present-giver too and always managed to give you just the thing you wanted. I was mad about watches, bikes, all that sort of thing, and even as an 8-year-old, I remember getting a Smiths watch which I was so pleased with. She was someone who would take you to a toy shop and buy you the toy gun you so badly wanted, when nobody else would!"

What are some of the traditions you observed at Christmas?

"We always had presents after lunch rather than before, starting off the morning – after stockings - with church at the beautiful Boxgrove Priory. My grandmother’s presents were always the ones we most looked forward to. I think she knew just how brilliantly Christmas brought everyone together. She would invite all the children – just as we do now – to come and see the Christmas tree. She was amazing with everyone, she knew all their names and all their children’s names. Everyone always loved seeing her."

What are some of the traditions you have carried forward to today?

"We still have these Christmas parties for the children and Father Christmas still comes to visit, although there are obviously many, many more people. The estate in those days was probably only about 80 people and it’s nearly 800 now! We also now put a huge tree in front of the house, selected by our Head Forester, Darren Norris. That didn’t happen back then, but the one in the house was magnificent and beautifully decorated. The fires too were always lit in the main hall, which looked wonderful and that’s something we still do."

What traditions do you believe are fundamental to the heart and spirit of Goodwood?

"The tree outside the front of the house has become a tradition. . The Christmas party for the staff is an opportunity where we talk about the year that’s gone, to say goodbye to it and move on to the next. It is an important moment for everyone to come together as a big family and to reflect on what we have done and achieved together."

What do you believe is special about Goodwood at Christmas?

"Christmas is just the most special time at Goodwood, the whole place seems to lend itself to that time of year so well. Goodwood looks better than ever when it is covered in snow. The cedar trees look particularly fabulous when they are all white. It doesn’t happen very often being so far south, but when it does it is glorious."

Join us at Goodwood House for Christmas Afternoon Tea & Carols on Thursday 19 December, where you can enjoy a festive-inspired afternoon tea in the Ballroom, followed by candle-lit carols in the splendour of the Front Hall.

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  • Goodwood House

  • Goodwood House Tea and Tour

  • Christmas