The history of Cumberland Lodge spans more than 350 years. Built in the 17th century by John Byfield, a captain in Oliver Cromwell’s army, it later became the official residence of successive Rangers of Windsor Great Park, including Sarah Churchill, Duchess of Marlborough, and William Augustus, Duke of Cumberland, from whom the Lodge takes its name.

In 1872, it became the home of Princess Helena, daughter of Queen Victoria, and Prince Christian of Schleswig-Holstein. Later, it was granted to Lord FitzAlan of Derwent, the last Viceroy of Ireland. In 1936, Cumberland Lodge was used for key meetings between the King’s Private Secretary and Prime Minster Stanley Baldwin which eventually led to the abdication of King Edward VIII.

In 1947, King George VI granted Cumberland Lodge to a new educational foundation established by Amy Buller, whose influential book Darkness over Germany examined the rise of Nazi sentiments amongst students and academics in Germany in the 1930s.

Continuing that charitable mission, today Cumberland Lodge brings people together to explore the causes of social division and inequality, and to develop the confidence, skills, and understanding needed to build a more just and inclusive society.

A partner of the Festival for over 20 years, events at the Lodge are primarily literary in nature, although the programme has also included memorable outdoor concerts, including a performance by the National Youth Jazz Orchestra in 2011.