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Event Description
In this series of talks, we will be taking a look at English houses linked to key events and people from our country’s history. From grand stately homes to more modest manor houses, we will uncover their stories and the characters who lived in and visited them, as well as enjoying their architecture, artworks and landscapes.
Chatsworth House (21st May)
Home to the Cavendish family, Dukes of Devonshire, since the 16th Century, Chatsworth is one of England’s greatest aristocratic residences. Set in beautiful Derbyshire countryside and with gardens created by some of the most famous names in their field, the house is a treasure trove of artworks and artefacts. Over the centuries, it has played host to kings, queens and political leaders, and has seen more than its fair share of incidents and scandals. We will be discovering just some of the most important people and events.
Baddesley Clinton / Harvington Hall (28th May)
These two impressive and beautifully preserved Midlands houses tell a story of religious upheaval and persecution. Both owned by loyal Roman Catholic families, they were hideouts and places of refuge from the Protestant authorities during the turbulent days of the English Reformation. We will be finding out more about the historical background, the risks their owners took, the ingenious designs that provided places to hide and the key events that took place within their walls.
Boscobel House / Moseley Old Hall (4th June)
With family connections going back to the Norman Conquest and estates built up on former monastic land, these two houses are linked by their role in one of English history’s most exciting episodes – the escape of the future Charles II from his Parliamentary enemies. As well as exploring the background to the two houses and the families who lived in them, we will be discovering how Charles made his escape from the Battle of Worcester, the help he received and its consequences for his supporters.
Sudeley Castle (18th June)
Linked to royalty from Anglo Saxon times, Sudeley is one of the country’s most impressive and fascinating houses. Owned by a variety of kings and prominent nobles, and the burial place of an English queen, it boasts a staggering number of connections with English history down the centuries. We will be exploring some of its most important stories and meeting the characters who walked its halls in the past. We will also be taking a look at the Sudeley gardens, an absolute gem in the midst of the picturesque Cotswolds landscape.
- Duration: 4 x 60 mins
- Online Zoom event: Join from your computer, phone or tablet (a recording will be available)
Meet the Host, Ian Braisby
Ian has a degree in Commerce and German and worked for several years as a project manager and translator before deciding on a complete career change and qualifying as a tourist guide. He holds the Blue Badge, which is the UK’s highest tour guiding qualification and is a member of the Institute of Tourist Guides.
With a passion for sharing places and stories with people from around the world, he offers a combination of in-person tours, virtual tours, and presentations, in both English and German. He has a friendly and informal style and a flair for bringing history to life with anecdotes about people and events.
More Information
What if I can’t make the event?
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