262 pp, 8vo (8 11/16" H). Colour and b&w plates. "Founded as the College of Bonhommes, an order of Augustinian canons, in 1283, Ashridge is again a College today, housing the world-renowned Management College, so that after 700 years the wheel has turned full circle. After the monastic period, Henry VIII used Ashridge as an occasional residence for his children, when it provided a backcloth to the uncertainties of their upbringing. The property passed to the Princess Elizabeth at her father's death and during Mary's reign must have been the scene of both drama and danger. After its period as a royal residence the Egerton family (Earls and Dukes of Bridgewater) lived at Ashridge for several generations, among them Sir Thomas, Lord Chancellor to James I, the 3rd Duke, known as 'the Canal Duke', and the 7th Earl, who replaced the crumbling monastic buildings with the present fabric. The latter's controversial will led to the estate passing to the earls Brownlow. Later, under the 3rd Earl and his beautiful Countess, Adelaide, Ashridge achieved an elegance of great distinction. After more than three centuries as a home, the estate was sold in the 1920s and became an educational foundation, first as Bonar Law College and then as the present Management College. This vivid and readable account is the first full-length study of the estate for over 150 years; and through his extensive use of contemporary records and some new archival material the author's prospect of Ashridge has become more than purely local history. Personalities are brought to life against the background of the building in a way that will appeal to a wide circle of readers. A piece of Chiltern history that often touches on national affairs, this work will be welcomed by many who know and use the Ashridge of today." Minor wrinkle at bottom of spine, tiny faint stain on fore-edge of textblock, faint water mark at bottom corner of front board. Dust jacket has light edge wrinkling - mainly at top/bottom of spine and flap-folds, minor rubbing.
Title: A PROSPECT OF ASHRIDGE.
ISBN Number: 0850333601
ISBN-13: 9780850333602
Location Published: London, Phillimore: 1980
Binding: Hard Cover
Book Condition: Very Good
Jacket Condition: Very Good
Categories: British History, Architecture/Interior Design
Seller ID: 22231
Keywords: architecture, ashridge, bonar law, bridgewater, brownlow, canal duke, chiltern, college bonhommes, colleges, crests, egerton, elizabeth i, estates, gardens, gower, james wyatt, little gaddesden, local history., management, mansions, monasteries, old house, stately homes, tudor
