Ranger's House

On the edge of Greenwich Park sits Ranger’s House. Built in 1723, and originally the home of Vice Admiral Francis Hosier, it later became the residence of the Ranger of Greenwich Park. The first ranger to live in the current house was Princess Sophia Mathilda, niece of George III. She was also its longest resident. It now houses one of the greatest private art collections in Europe, including furniture, jewellery, ceramics, sculptures and paintings.

After Hosiers death in 1727 and after a long legal dispute, Philip Dormer Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield became resident at Ranger’s House, and remained here until his death in 1773. During his time here Chesterfield built a new gallery on the south side, almost doubling the size of the building. In 1783 an art collector and barrister took over the house and mirrored the south gallery by building a gallery on the North side.

It wasn’t until 1862 that the royal family returned to Ranger’s House. The third son of Queen Victoria, Prince Arthur of Connaught was sent here to study for the Royal Military Academy. He was only 12 years old but retained the house until he was 22. Lord Wolseley was the last Ranger to reside in the house. However, this was short lived and in 1890 he moved to Ireland.

By 1902 the London County Council had bought Ranger’s House and it was used as a tea room and changing rooms for the newly converted bowling green and tennis court in its grounds. The present rose garden in front of the House wasn’t laid out until the 1960’s.In 1986 that Ranger’s House was taken under the care of English Heritage. 

As the House has been under varied ownerships, it houses no art collection of its own. The present world-class collection belongs to Julius Wernher, a German Businessman and art collector. Over 700 objects can be seen today at Ranger’s House.

If you have watched the popular Netflix show Bridgerton, you will recognise the exterior of Ranger's House. The house was used as the backdrop for the Bridgerton family home.