Fascinating

 

I was staying on the Craster Family Estate this summer and this book was part of Mary Craster's books. What a fascinating book. I learnt the demise was not juat due to the death duty taxes after the second world war. There was a number of factors and the first world war ( or as Sir Roy Strong describes as the hallocaust of 1914-1918. Heirs were dying on the fields of Flanders, Somme and Pascendale to name a few of the "bloody" battles.
Interesting also was the parts concerning the history of the country houses, 1934 and the National Trust. The Government felt it would be better to focus on the houses rather than the parklands.
The black and white photographs told the story well. Amazing this books is 50 odd years old now. Thankfully we as a nation now appreciate old buildings which is our heritage.
Really interesting and would love to read a follow up.
Well researched and execute book.