love Mrs. Sarah Morrison .."maximum mischief"...she is Marvelous and deliciously well spoken. What an amazing woman, the entire episodes of her are captivating. Dan Cruickshank is undoubtedly the perfect person for this series. Astute, Erudite...he commands the dialogue. Masterful.!!!
Castle rustling, intimidation and protect rackets were the origin of many medieval “noble families”. What a terrific presenter this historian is, I love the video.
It’s wonderful to see some great country houses featured other than the usual Blenheim and Castle Howard. There are hundreds of programs on those, but they are only two of many, if the biggest.
Wonderful exposition on the history of a wonderful English country house. Wish I had the wherewithal to stay at such a beautiful home. A nice combination of history and architectural appreciation.
Many English Staely Homes are open to visitors. They would most likly love to have you visit them as a small fee paying temporary guest. Check out the National Trust Houses. A friend of mine always seems to buy an annual membership so once joined he may enter free, any estate on the many great estates on any open to the public day. Beautiful locations for families for a day our with a picnic in summer. Or strawberry cream teas on the lawn. Many hold events attarcting thousands such as horse trials, festivals, stream rallies. Have a beautiful day.
Google Chavenage - it is open to the public mainly in the summer months. Absolutely packed with history and still lived in by the family who will take you on a tour. Poldark is being filmed there as were a number of TV series and episodes.
I was hoping to see some of the upper floors. What has always puzzled me is when and how were modern accouterments such as plumbing and lighting added to these structures from the 15th century--was gaslight used in the 19th century?
South Wraxall Manor was brought in 2005 by John Taylor (bass player with the band Duran Duran) and his wife Gela Nash (founder of Juicy Couture). Most of us can't afford a house and these guys have brought a piece of national heritage which should be open to the public for everyone to enjoy. Capitalism
What's "very wealthy"? The problem is that these homes are protected by national heritage laws, so many can't be modernized easily. In many cases not at all. Most nouveau riche don't want to live in a mansion with three small fuses and just a few electric sockets spread through it, 80 miles from the nearest airport. It's thousand and thousand of people who can afford to live in a house like these, but it's so unconvinient. Sadly.
@Daverosst. Try take a trip away from the farm once in while. Not everyone speaks in what can only be your provincial idea of a 'normal tone of voice'. The way Dan Cruickshank speaks reflects someone who is highly erudite and cultured. I for one have seen all his documentaries, have read his books and could listen to him speak all day.
