From Doomsday Book to listening in for doomsday

First recorded in the Doomsday Book, Caversham Park has played a surprisingly central role in English, British and international history for nearly a millennium.

It was the seat of the so-called ‘best knight whoever lived’. The Manor of Caversham was embroiled in the Reformation. It was owned by cousins of Elizabeth I – who not only gave their name to current streets in Reading – but guarded Mary, Queen of Scots. Caversham Park both entertained the first two Stuart Kings and became a prison for Charles I. Learn about its role in the Glorious Revolution, the War of Spanish Succession, and its connections to the American War of Independence.

The estate became a refuge in the First World War. It was taken over by the BBC during the Second. Hear how it became a centre for intelligence throughout the Second World War, the Cold War and the ‘War on Terror’.

Find out more in this fascinating talk. 

This is the final of three talks in the Houses and Estates Talks Series. The other talks take place on 11th April and 9th May. You may book tickets for individual events or for all three talks in the series for a reduced price.  

After the talk, tea/coffee and cake will be available (included in the price). Pre-booking is preferred, but you can pay on the door, if there are spaces available.  

To book, scroll down.

Image: W. and J. Walker, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons.