The stunning historic palaces, castles and houses of the British monarchy have captured the interest and imaginations of the millions who flock to visit them each year. The magnificent and occasionally eccentric architecture, often-sumptuous gardens and lavish interiors of these buildings have made them extremely popular tourist destinations. Royal Britain: Historic Palaces, Castles and Houses takes the reader on a tour of more than 30 key historic locations in England, Scotland and Wales - among them some of the most recognised royal buildings, such as Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and Hampton Court, the most infamous, such as the notorious Tower of London, prison to many a royal monarch in the past, and also locations that are slightly more off the beaten track, such as Harlech Castle in North Wales. Each entry includes: key information about the historic building under discussion; an engaging essay putting the location in political, social and cultural context; boxes highlighting features of special interest to visitors; vital contact information, including useful websites and travel links - and beautiful photographs of the exteriors and interiors of these key royal buildings.

'The Royal Palaces of London' brings together the stories of these buildings and the characters, events and art that have filled their grand spaces and intimate corners from the Norman Conquest to modern times.

The Royal Family of the United Kingdom is one of the most instantly recognized institutions in the world. Since the current monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, was crowned in 1952, it has undergone a huge amount of cultural and social change, but over the course of many decades the Royal Family has continued to play an important role in British society. The Royal Family Operations Manual, written by royal expert and correspondent Robert Jobson, offers a complete examination of a very British institution, looking behind the scenes at the current heirs of a kingdom that has been ruled nearly uninterruptedly by a monarch since 774AD. Chapters include explanations of the: Windsor bloodline, family tree and personalities Their royal residences, palaces and country retreats Military connections Charity work Annual engagements Royal finances, including facts and statistics on personal incomes, state salaries and business interests Births, marriages and deaths State ceremonies, such as the opening of parliament, the Christmas address, trooping the colours and the elaborate hosting of foreign dignitaries. The book also includes throughout fascinating behind the scenes details on staff, domestic rituals, personalities, pets, family gatherings and other inside information. Lavishly illustrated with photographs of the people, places and events of the past 150 years, this book makes a fitting celebration of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign as she nears 70 years on the throne.

Introducing "British Royal Residences" - A Majestic Journey Through Time and Tradition Step into the enchanting world of British royalty with our exclusive book bundle, "British Royal Residences." Immerse yourself in the rich history, captivating tales, and architectural wonders of four iconic royal abodes that have shaped the United Kingdom's cultural heritage. 🏰 Book 1: "Buckingham Palace: A Regal Legacy - From Cottage to Crown Jewel" Discover the remarkable transformation of a humble cottage into the crown jewel of the British monarchy. Follow the evolution of Buckingham Palace as it reflects the endurance and adaptability of the British royal family. 🏰 Book 2: "Windsor Castle: A Fortress Fit for Royalty - Through the Ages" Embark on a historical odyssey spanning centuries at the world's oldest inhabited castle. Windsor Castle's enduring majesty and significance offer a glimpse into the very heart of Britain's royal heritage. 🏰 Book 3: "Kensington Palace: A Stately Home with Royal Tales" Explore a palace that has witnessed centuries of history, from royal births and romances to political intrigue and artistic expression. Kensington Palace's elegant gardens and distinguished inhabitants reveal a captivating narrative of love, power, and transformation. 🏰 Book 4: "Holyrood Palace: A Scottish Royal Retreat - From Abbey to Palace" Journey to Scotland and delve into the unique history of Holyrood Palace, with its origins in a medieval abbey. Holyrood embodies Scotland's cultural identity and its connection to its sovereigns. What Awaits You: 📜 Secrets Unveiled: Discover hidden stories, legends, and intrigues that have unfolded within these hallowed walls. 👑 Lives Lived: Explore the lives of monarchs, residents, and the cultural tapestry that defines each palace. 🌿 Cultural Heritage: Experience the art, culture, and traditions that have thrived within these royal residences. 🏛 Architectural Marvels: Immerse yourself in the grandeur and elegance of these extraordinary palaces. Whether you're a history enthusiast, architecture aficionado, or simply curious about the royal experience, "British Royal Residences" promises an unforgettable journey through time and heritage. Preserve your piece of British history and order this limited-time book bundle today. Dive into the world of royalty and explore the stories that have shaped a nation. Don't miss your chance to own this captivating collection of books that celebrate the enduring legacy of British royal residences. Order now and embark on a majestic journey through the annals of history and tradition!

Japan: Courts and Culture tells the story of three centuries of British royal contact with Japan, from 1603 to c.1937, when the exchange of exquisite works of art was central to both diplomatic relations and cultural communication. With discussions of courtly rituals, trade relationships, treaties, and other matters of concern between the two nations, this book provides important historical and political context in addition to granting a new look at the works of art in question. Featuring new research on previously unpublished works, including porcelain, lacquer, armor, embroidery, metalwork, and works on paper, this book showcases the unparalleled craftsmanship of these objects, and the local materials, techniques, and traditions behind them. Japan: Courts and Culture is published to accompany a spectacular exhibition of the same name, which opens at The Queen's Gallery, Buckingham Palace, in June 2020. The book's stunning photography, contextual essays, and historical insights offer a highly visual record of a royal narrative and history that has not yet been widely documented.

"As England's largest castle and premier royal residence, Windsor Castle is of outstanding importance: historically, architecturally, artistically and in the life of the nation. This authoritative history of the Castle, the first to be published in 100 years, draws upon new research and primary sources to present a general account of Windsor Castle and its immediate environs from around AD700 to the present day, setting this iconic building against the background of wider social, political and cultural events in the life of the monarchy and the nation. Not only is the book richly illustrated with historical drawings, watercolours and photographs from the Royal Collection and elsewhere, it also includes newly commissioned photography and 3D reconstructions of the Castle at key points in its development, showing how this historic site has changed and evolved over 13 centuries."--

This book provides a boldly original account of Middle English literature from the Norman Conquest to the beginning of the sixteenth century. It argues that these centuries are, in fundamental ways, the momentous period in our literary history, for they are the long moment in which the category of literature itself emerged as English writing began to insist, for the first time, that it floated free of any social reality or function. This book also charts the complex mechanisms by which English writing acquired this power in a series of linked close readings of both canonical and more obscure texts. It encloses those readings in five compelling accounts of much broader cultural areas, describing, in particular, the productive relationship of Middle English writing to medieval technology, insurgency, statecraft and cultural place, concluding with an in depth account of the particular arguments, emphases and techniques English writers used to claim a wholly new jurisdiction for their work. Both this history and its readings are everywhere informed by the most exciting developments in recent Middle English scholarship as well as literary and cultural theory. It serves as an introduction to all these areas as well as a contribution, in its own right, to each of them.