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The Spanish Culture of Charles I's Court

Heir to the throne Charles I made a secret trip to win the hand of a princess. For eight months he was the guest of the Spanish king in Madrid.

Private Palaces: The Mansions of the Marlboroughs

Due to the Duke of Marlborough‘s military genius and the crush that Queen Anne had on his wife, the duchess, the Marlboroughs were presented with two of the greatest houses of the age.

Royal Restoration: Estates of the Duke of Monmouth

Charles II‘s illegitimate son, the Duke of Monmouth, became one of the most influential and powerful men at the Restoration court. He married a Scottish heiress, Anne Scott, and together they became leaders of fashion and taste.

Ruling Passions: The Architecture of the Cecils

Father and son, William and Robert Cecil, not only dominated politics for much of Elizabeth I and James I reign but dominated architectural fashion. Building a series of spectacular houses, they, and not the monarchy, were the great palace builders of their age.

Tudor Ambition: Houses of the Boleyn Family

A family best known for producing one of England’s most famous queen consorts started out owning substantial estates in Norfolk before buying, and inheriting, a series of major houses close to London.

Crown, Country and the Struggle for Cultural Supremacy

The changing balance of power and wealth between the aristocracy and the monarchy from the sixteenth to the nineteenth century has fundamentally influenced today’s national cultural landscape of art and architecture.

Art and Power in the English Aristocratic House

This lecture questions this view and shows how, from the sixteenth century, aristocratic families deployed their collections and commissioned their buildings in both town and country in order to further their political and dynastic ambitions.

Architecture, Images and Image-Making Under The Stuarts

An integral part of the tumultuous political events of the century was the cultural ambition of the principal players who form the subject of this lecture.

Painting, Patronage and Politics under the Tudors

Tudor England was a dangerous place for the wealthy and powerful. Art and architecture was a sign of connoisseurship but also political ambition.

The Birth of Modern Theatreland: Covent Garden and the Two Theatres Royal

London is home to two of the oldest working theatres in the world both founded by Charles II’s patents. Professor Thurley looks at the significance and impact of these great institutions on the development of London.

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The Spanish Culture of Charles I's Court

Private Palaces: The Mansions of the Marlboroughs

Royal Restoration: Estates of the Duke of Monmouth

Ruling Passions: The Architecture of the Cecils

Tudor Ambition: Houses of the Boleyn Family

Crown, Country and the Struggle for Cultural Supremacy

Art and Power in the English Aristocratic House

Architecture, Images and Image-Making Under The Stuarts

Painting, Patronage and Politics under the Tudors

The Birth of Modern Theatreland: Covent Garden and the Two Theatres Royal

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