Secrets of the Manor House

Step inside the home of the Dukes of Devonshire. On an estate the size of Washington, DC sits Chatsworth, home to the Dukes of Devonshire, one of the grandest aristocratic dynasties in England. The tales of intrigue, tragedy, and scandal of this great family are inextricably intertwined with those of the house itself, from the decadent life of the shockingly glamorous Duchess Georgiana, to the tumultuous love story between JFK's favorite sister Kathleen Kennedy and heir Billy Cavendish. Peregrine Cavendish, the 12th Duke of Devonshire, shares the history and some of the inner workings of this great house and grounds, one of England's largest private homes, which is "much more of a home than perhaps it looks from the outside... we're very lucky.

Step inside the historic Hampton Court. Hampton Court is the ultimate royal pleasure palace, embodying an indulgent and grandiose lifestyle built by Cardinal Thomas Wolsey and furthered by King Henry VIII. Its many rooms chart Henry VIII's decline from fit young warrior to bloated womanizer, and they tell the vivid stories of the ladies who became his queens. Later, King William III and Queen Mary II commissioned Sir Christopher Wren to rebuild Hampton Court, demolishing half of the red brick Tudor palace and replacing it with an exquisite Baroque castle, making Hampton Court one of the most unique palaces in the world. Secrets of Henry VIII's Palace digs beneath the brick and stone to unveil an abundance of art and lore that bring Hampton Court to life.

The early years of the twentieth century rank among the most peaceful in European history. In Britain's grand homes it was a time of glamour, high society, and unfettered optimism. The British aristocracy enjoyed life on vast estates as they had done for centuries. Retinues of servants, beautiful houses, and fabulous costumes: the parties were extravagant, the scandal was infamous. It's no surprise that some of the most popular dramas to hit our screens have been set against this rich and colorful backdrop. In reality, however, the picture was less than golden; the historic order was starting to crumble. With World War One looming, and new technology, money, and ideas coming over from America, the British aristocracy were being threatened by deepening undercurrents of change as the nation stood at the brink of an upheaval so monumental that few could imagine it. Nowhere was this threat of change felt more acutely than within the confines of the British Manor House.