Description

Sandringham the muchloved Norfolk retreat of Queen Elizabeth II has been the private home of four generations of monarchs since 1862 when Queen Victoria and Prince Albert bought the country estate for their eldest son Albert Edward Prince of Wales

Written with warmth and wit Helen Cathcart charts a hundred years of royal domestic history at Sandringham from earliest days through to celebrated visitor attraction As well as being the scene of private family life this stately abode has played host to magnificent balls and glittering parties as well as witnessing more dramatic events including the 1891 fire the death of the heir presumptive to the British throne in 1892 and the first Christmas Day Message broadcast live by King George V in 1932

Drawing on a wealth of sources including architects papers building reports royal letters and journals Cathcart paints a vivid picture of life at Sandringham through the ages of evolving architecture and changing dcor the comedy and drama of each new reign

A blend of narrative history and family chronicle Sandringham commemorates the centenary of one of the bestknown private country houses in the world