Adrian Tinniswood

Acclaimed architectural and social historian Adrian Tinniswood uncovers the truth behind the half-forgotten world of the English country house – including Blenheim Palace – between the two world wars.

Tinniswood draws on memoirs, unpublished letters and diaries, eye-witness testaments of earls and heiresses, and the stories of below-stairs staff to build a definitive account of life in the country house as the sun was setting on the days of empire.  He explains how the image of the country house was protected by those above and below stairs and how the reality of what was going on was much more interesting than the often-quoted dream.

Tinniswood has worked for and with the National Trust for 30 years. He is author of 14 books and was awarded the OBE in 2013 for services to heritage.