An intriguing look at the life that was led in the country homes and estates now cared for by the National Trust in the period between the 1840s to the end of WWII. Over 250 wonderfully evocative photographs from the archives of the various properties tell intriguing tales of the owners and their families, their guests, and the men and women employed in the house and on the estate, what they looked like and what they did day to day.

Some of the photographs are set pieces, taken as a record of special events such as a visit by a member of the royal family or the coming of age of the son and heir; others give a picture of a normal day in the workings of the household.

Capturing unique moments such as the Duke and Duchess of York on their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey and Churchill breakfasting at Chartwell and accompanied by a fascinating commentary from social historian Elizabeth Drury, this book gives a wonderful glimpse into life in the great English country houses.