Life at Burghley: Restoring One of England's Great Houses

Victoria, Lady Leatham regales us with her account of home repair on a grand scale. Built by her ancestor William Cecil, counselor to Queen Elizabeth I, Burghley is an impressive example of the stately homes of England. On the serious side, the author reminds us of how fragile our heritage is, and how quickly it can disappear. The cost of repairing and maintaining an opulent home built more than four hundred years ago is staggering. The annual roofing costs along could send the national debt of a small country soaring. Lady Leatham also discusses the debate between preservation and restoration. If you were faced with the choice of preserving (in its current dilapidated condition) an artifact used by Queen Elizabeth, or restoring it (so that the fabric is new - but now made of things untouched by the Queen), what would you do? The delight of the book is the humor. There is the evidence that someone had a great taste for gin and a great need to hide the bottles. The bedroom paintings which would not bring restful repose to most of us. The plumbing which would serve to frighten us when we are most vulnerable. A delightful book