Boughton: The House, its People and its Collections

The Duke of Buccleuch's ancestral home, Boughton, is a magnificent palace in Northamptonshire that was transformed into a palatial homage to French culture by Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu. The book showcases the house's magnificent painted ceilings, tapestries, and Sèvres porcelain, as well as striking portraits of Elizabeth I, Charles II, and his son the Duke of Monmouth. A grand tour includes the French-inspired façade, formal State Rooms, Tudor Great Hall, and park.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 260 pages
Publication date: 16 April 2022
Publisher: Caique Publishing Ltd

In this lavish portrayal of the renowned house known as "the English Versailles," the Duke of Buccleuch provides a captivating account of his ancestors, the Montagus of Boughton. The Montagus acquired the manor in Northamptonshire during the reign of Henry VIII. The first Duke of Montagu, Ralph (1638–1709), played a significant role as Charles IIs envoy to Louis XIV, transforming Boughton into a grand homage to French culture. His son, John, the 2nd Duke, left a lasting legacy with his love for planting long avenues, his fascination with heraldry, his penchant for practical jokes, and the ancient lion he nurtured in one of the courtyards.

The book showcases the awe-inspiring painted ceilings, tapestries, and Sèvres porcelain that adorn Boughton. The celebrated art collection also features striking portraits of Elizabeth I, Charles II, and his son, the Duke of Monmouth, another Buccleuch ancestor. In the Drawing Room, a gathering of Van Dycks friends and contemporaries can be observed in dozens of grisailles. Among them, the portrait of Shakespeares muses, the Early and Countess of Southampton, stands out as the most captivating.

A grand tour of Boughton encompasses the French-inspired façade, the meticulously designed State Rooms, and the Tudor Great Hall. These rooms are adorned with painted ceilings, ornate French furniture, and the oldest dated carpet in Europe. The tour then leads to the park, where soaring limes, interconnected lakes, and a dramatic new sunken pool await exploration. Boughton, with its breathtaking architecture, exquisite art collection, and serene park, truly embodies the grandeur and elegance of the English Renaissance.

Weight: 1080g
Dimension: 240 x 240 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780995756663