Country House Life: A Century of Change in Britain's Country Homes

Fascinating archive photographs of life in Britain's historic homes between 1860 and 1940, accompanied by lively and anecdotal commentary, provide unique insight into the lives of those who lived and worked in stately homes

Offering an intriguing look at the life that was led in stately homes in the period between the 1860s to the end of World War II, more than 250 wonderfully evocative photographs from the archives of the various properties tell intriguing tales of the owners and their families, their guests, the men and women employed in the house and on the estate, including what they looked like and what they did day to day. Some of the photographs are set pieces, taken as a record of special events such as a visit by a member of the royal family or the coming of age of the son and heir; others give a picture of a normal day in the workings of the household. Capturing unique moments such as the Duke and Duchess of York on their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey and Churchill breakfasting at Chartwell, and accompanied by a fascinating commentary from a social historian, this book gives a wonderful glimpse into life in the great English country houses.