Once I was a clever boy learning the arts of Oxford... is a quotation from the verses written by Bishop Richard Fleming (c.1385-1431) for his tomb in Lincoln Cathedral. Fleming, the founder of Lincoln College in Oxford, is the subject of my research for a D. Phil., and, like me, a son of the West Riding. I have remarked in the past that I have a deeply meaningful on-going relationship with a dead fifteenth century bishop... it was Fleming who, in effect, enabled me to come to Oxford and to learn its arts, and for that I am immensely grateful.


Tuesday, 22 August 2023

Lady Rockingham and her mantua


The Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust continue producing their videos about the wonderful work they are doing to restore this exceptional country house, its associated buildings and grounds. There is I find something profoundly moving about watching them and the restoration they record.

Alongside those visual records of conservation they have also produced videos about the family who created and lived in this enormous house. Two recent ones are about Mary Bright who married Charles Watson-Wentworth, the second Marquess of Rockingham, and who was to serve twice as Prime Minister.

The first is a short account of her life and may be seen at Lady Mary Watson-Wentworth: A love story and more...

The second is about her Mantua, a lavish Court dress dating to the very beginning of the reign of King George III, and one which has, remarkably, survived intact. It can now be seen on display with the Royal Collection at Kensington Palace. The video can be viewed at Lady Rockingham's Mantua


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