Title Details

An intriguing illustrated biography of the remarkable Mrs. Greville and her magnificent house, Polesden Lacy—a fascinating life story laced with scandal, wit, and intrigue, set against the backdrop of 80 years of tumultous world events

From obscure and humble origins Margaret Greville rose to become a millionairess and prominent society hostess and friend to a portfolio of royalty and politicians. Following an advantageous marriage to one of Edward VII's best friends, Captain Ronald Greville, Mrs. Greville created two magnificent houses, Polesden Lacy (now National Trust) and 16 Charles Street, Mayfair, taking as her model the opulent luxury of the Ritz Hotel. Mrs. "Ronnie" Greville was instrumental in advancing the courtships of both the Mountbattens and the Duke and Duchess of York, who became King George VI and Queen Elizabeth after the Abdication, and in fact, honeymooned at Polesden Lacy. Among her friends she numbered Edward VII, Queen Mary, George VI and Queen Elizabeth, Oswald Mosley, Ribbentrop, and Mussolini. Her meteoric rise to social prominence was lived against a background of tumultous historic events: the halcyon years of the Edwardian era, the Roaring 20s, the Depresssion, two World Wars, and the London Blitz. Mrs. Ronnie survived for almost eight momentous decades and was in the front row for many of the great moments in history. This is her thrilling story and that of her magnificent house, Polesden Lacy, illustrated many previously unpublished evocative period photographs.