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Five Must-See Stately Homes in London with Dr. Alan Montgomery

Five Must-See Stately Homes in London with Dr. Alan Montgomery


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Perhaps surprisingly, a number of fine stately homes can be found within the city of London. Once situated in open countryside, their estates were slowly swallowed up by sprawling suburbs. Now, these grand historic mansions and their elegant gardens survive as havens of peace and tranquillity in the busy modern-day capital. During our time together, we will virtually examine five must-see manors, accompanied by a local historian.

Eltham Palace, for example, the childhood home of King Henry VIII was once one of the grandest royal residences in England. Later falling into ruins, it was rebuilt and extended into a glamourous Art Deco mansion by the bohemian Courtauld family. Chiswick House, completed in 1729 and recently restored to its original Palladian glory, was largely designed to show off the incredible art collection of its owner, Lord Burlington. Atmospheric Ham House on the banks of the Thames dates to the seventeenth century, its interiors offering a glimpse of aristocratic life in the time of Charles II, while Kenwood in Hampstead is famous for its paintings and stunning interiors. Strawberry Hill, meanwhile, is a fantastical Gothic wonder – covered in turrets and battlements, the home of Horace Walpole evokes the wonder and drama of the Romantic era.

Led by a historian who has lived in London for many years, this interactive seminar will explore a selection of the city’s best stately homes, explaining their architectural importance and discussing their long and fascinating histories. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an insider’s view of some of the British capital’s most beautiful historic houses.

Eager to tour London in person? Check out Context's upcoming Private Walking Tours here. 

Alan Montgomery was born and raised in Scotland but has spent most of his adult life in London. Having achieved an MA in Art History at Glasgow University, he worked for many years in the art world at both an international auction house and an antique dealer. In recent years he has returned to academia, achieving an MA in Classical Civilisation in 2011, and has recently completed a Ph.D. in which he analyzed eighteenth-century attitudes towards the ancient Roman world. In addition to his work for Context Travel, Alan also writes catalog essays on Contemporary Art for a leading auctioneer. Elected a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland in 2017, his first book, entitled 'Classical Caledonia', was published by Edinburgh University Press in August 2020.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
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(8)
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Reviewer avatar
Georgeanna Tryban (Indianapolis, US)
Places to Go that You Might Overlook

This is a great introduction to something that normally I wouldn't know to think about going to see in London. We immediately think of things like castles and museums, but stately homes are the hidden gems of London and a wonderful alternative to the usual tourist sites. It's great to get some insight and an introduction to 5 surprising new places to visit.

S
S.D.C. (Toronto, CA)
Great brief overview of some historic houses to see in a visit to London or if you live there and...

This was a really well-delivered and informative over view of some starlet houses in & around London. Not detailed from an art historical point of view but great as an introduction to spark interest

A
A. (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
J.R. (Voorhees Township, US)
Must See Homes in London !

Alan gave a great tour mixing architectural history with art history and the history of the gardens of these homes

A
A.P. (Martinez, US)
Wonderful introduction - Just what I wanted

This seminar was the perfect blend of historical context, anecdotes, photographs and a blend of both his personal experience and professional background. Just what I was hoping for. And his delightful Scottish accent was a delight to listen to!

Customer Reviews

Based on 8 reviews
100%
(8)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
Reviewer avatar
Georgeanna Tryban (Indianapolis, US)
Places to Go that You Might Overlook

This is a great introduction to something that normally I wouldn't know to think about going to see in London. We immediately think of things like castles and museums, but stately homes are the hidden gems of London and a wonderful alternative to the usual tourist sites. It's great to get some insight and an introduction to 5 surprising new places to visit.

S
S.D.C. (Toronto, CA)
Great brief overview of some historic houses to see in a visit to London or if you live there and...

This was a really well-delivered and informative over view of some starlet houses in & around London. Not detailed from an art historical point of view but great as an introduction to spark interest

A
A. (Dallas, US)

Guest did not leave comment

J
J.R. (Voorhees Township, US)
Must See Homes in London !

Alan gave a great tour mixing architectural history with art history and the history of the gardens of these homes

A
A.P. (Martinez, US)
Wonderful introduction - Just what I wanted

This seminar was the perfect blend of historical context, anecdotes, photographs and a blend of both his personal experience and professional background. Just what I was hoping for. And his delightful Scottish accent was a delight to listen to!