This colourful and thoroughly researched history of the Lord Delamere branch of the British aristocracy focuses on the famous Vale Royal Abbey in Cheshire, England. The Cholmondeley family, who owned the Abbey throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, are described in lavish and intimate detail as they maneuvered to maintain, through three generations, their status as a leading family in the United Kingdom.
Beginning in the late 17th century, we follow Charles Cholmondeley as he served as a member of the King’s army in Canada in the war against the French. Part I witnesses the ubiquitous Thomas Cholmondeley who purchased the title ‘Lord (Baron) Delamere’ for £5000 from the British crown in 1821. Part II covers the 2nd Lord Delamere, Hugh Cholmondeley, who led a very sad and difficult life, and experienced the deterioration of Vale Royal. Part III reviews the life of Hugh Cholmondeley, Jnr., 3rd Lord Delamere, his abandonment of Vale Royal Abbey and his relocation to East Africa. Narcissistic Hugh was part of the notorious “happy valley crowd” of Kenya and their lives of debauchery, sex and drugs.
The Vale Royal Abbey lives on today, a national treasure and testament to the intriguing lives of those who occupied it over the centuries.
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
We Americans are always fascinated with English history and this writer brings life to the forgotten history of the County Palatine of Cheshire from the very first page of this new book. This narrative makes compelling reading right to the last page as we discover the untold story of the famous Vale Royal Abbey built in 1540 AD.
– Mimi Rossi, writer and entertainer, the Hollywood Professional Association
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
This masterpiece is one of the most exciting, informative and touching narratives of the Lords’ Delamere branch of the famous Cholmondeley family of Vale Royal Abbey in Cheshire, England. This narrative written by British historian and researcher Geoffrey Hebdon covers the secret lives of the British aristocracy from the 16th to the 20th century. Reviewers comment that this book is destined to be become a best seller amongst students and readers of British history.
– ProductionHUB
IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd) –
I’ve just finished reading The Delamere Saga and thoroughly enjoyed it, partly because, for 19 years we’ve lived in ‘Abbots Barn’—what was originally the stables/barn/coach house building on Vale Royal Abbey Estate, now overlooking the 18th green of the golf course. Your book is extremely well researched and a fascinating insight into our erstwhile neighbours in the ‘main house’.
– Jeremy Cole