Caversham Park and its People BC to BBC

Situated on the outskirts of Reading in Berkshire, Caversham Park is an imposing stately home with extensive grounds created by Capability Brown, which has been owned by the BBC since 1942.

While working there as a presenter for BBC Radio Berkshire, Mike Read became fascinated by its rich and varied history, dating back over 1000 years and in the course of this enjoyable book he uncovers a wealth of interesting facts about the succession of ever-more imposing houses that have existed on the site over the centuries and the colourful lives of their owners and occupants, many of whom were influential figures in their day.

Veteran broadcaster and author Mike Read delves into the colourful history of Caversham Park, a stately home near Reading, which is currently home to BBC Radio Berkshire.

Its long and storied history includes ownership by numerous prominent British familes dating back beyond Saxon times, with names including Sloane, Cadogan, Crawshay, Knollys, Craven, Despencer, De Clare, Beauchamp and others. 

Over the centuries many dramas played out within its walls and royalty and many famous individuals were welcomed as guests.

The mansion was rebuilt several times over the centuries and its grounds were among the earlist sculpted in the 1760s by Lancelot 'Capability' Brown.

For 20 years it was the home of The Oratory School until it was purchased by the BBC in 1940.

During and after World War Two it was the HQ of the BBC Monitoring Service, which monitored radio broadcasts of foregn nations to glean information useful to the UK government and intelligence services.

Mike uncovers a wealth of fascinating tales involving Caversham Park's many illustrious former residents which will be of great interest to all those who have professional or family connections with this historical building or indeed anyone with an iterest in British history.

Publisher - Woodfield Publishing Ltd

Language - English

Perfect Bound

Contributors

By author

Mike Read

Published Date - 2015-08-28

ISBN - 9781846831652

Dimensions - 29.7 x 21 x 0.8 cm

Page Count - 116