Sandringham, Helen Cathcart
Sandringham, Helen Cathcart
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Sandringham
The Story of a Royal Home

Author: Helen Cathcart

Narrator: Lorna Bennett

Unabridged: 7 hr 59 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Tantor Media

Published: 02/28/2023


Synopsis

Sandringham, the much-loved 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 architect's papers, building reports, royal letters, and journals, Cathcart paints a vivid picture of life at Sandringham through the ages, of evolving architecture and changing décor, the comedy and drama of each new reign.

A blend of narrative history and family chronicle, Sandringham commemorates the centenary of one of the best-known private country houses in the world.

About Helen Cathcart

Helen Cathcart was a prolific writer about the Royal Family, who enjoyed enormous success with her books in the 1960s and 1970s. These emerged with regularity, sold well, and were largely enjoyed (if not always at Buckingham Palace). One mystery surrounded the author-she was never seen. Occasionally journalists visited her agent, Harold Albert, at his cottage near Liphook, and suspected that Helen Cathcart did not exist. Invariably they left less convinced. Only when Harold Albert died was it revealed-in an obituary written by Hugo Vickers-that Harold Albert and Helen Cathcart were one and the same.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Shane

While I loved this book, I have to admit that Sandringham, the Story of a Royal Home is a niche read. If you aren't into English architecture and British royals, this book is not for you. If you are, you'll find some biographical details that would be hard to glean anywhere else. As the story moves a......more

Goodreads review by Lori

Interesting from historical point of view Well-written book more about the place than the people. A must for anglophiles. Would love similar book about Balmoral. Will read them all!......more

Goodreads review by Linda

A little dry at first but then, as it progresses into more modern times, it is quite interesting. Good historical read!......more