Gallery: Cliveden House Hotel Remembers WWI

Cliveden House saw its share of history over the years (including a scandal that brought down a government) but it’s the estate’s roll in World War I that’s remembered this year.

During a recent media trip studying the history-based tourism in the UK surrounding the 100th commemoration of WWI, journalists toured the country to examine how the entire nation became involved in the war.

As WWI raged — killing more than 1 million British soldiers in its first six months — the then-owners of Cliveden House (Waldorf and Nancy Astor) allowed the house and grounds to become a hospital for the Canadian Red Cross. A cemetery for the Canadians and Americans who didn’t survive their injuries (above) is set on a high plateau overlooking the Thames River.

Related: Downton Abbey’s Highclere Honors WWI Roots

Now a luxury hotel, guests can stay in the house’s remodeled, modern rooms and explore the grounds — while imagining how the ravages of WWI reached even this idyllic palace in Buckinghamshire

You’ll find a gallery of images below exploring Cliveden, its gardens and estate as it moves through this WWI-centric year.