This is the little known story of the building and later destruction of England's grandest Royal Palace with extensive formal gardens built by William Cecil in Hertfordshire in the 1560s. Elizabeth I encouraged her Chief Minister to expand his house into one of the most extravagant in England. His son, Robert Cecil, later gave the mansion to James I as a "gift" in return for an estate at nearby Hatfield. The Stuart Palace was ransacked by Parliamentary soldiers during the Civil War and in a semi-derelict state by the time of the Restoration in 1660.
Views: 2414 | Enquiries: 0Based on the Norfolk/Suffolk border near Diss, I have given hundreds of talks since 2010 to audiences ranging from a dozen to over 500 people for all sorts of community organisations including U3A, WI, Rotary, plus local history and church social groups. I can take bookings up to a year ahead or, subject to availability, I can step in at short notice if your speaker cancels unexpectedly. I provide my own technical gear for your convenience - all I ask is that the host group provide a screen. I am happy to travel to any location in Norfolk and Suffolk, as well as North Essex and East Cambridgeshire.
I currently run an online antiques, vintage and collectables business, and used to work as a part time auctioneer. I am also a freelance tutor teaching adult leisure courses for various training organisations in East Anglia. Previously I owned and ran an independent bookshop in East Hertfordshire for ten years. Between 2005 and 2014 I interviewed dozens of major celebrity names live on stage - including Julie Walters, Ian Botham, Alan Titchmarsh, Sheila Hancock, Alan Davies - as part of a regular Meet the Author programme I produced at theatres and other venues. In my long career I have also chaired and made presentations at numerous conferences, seminars and debates, at national and international level.
I have delivered many online talks and run courses using Powerpoint on Zoom, and I also have the capability to do the same on Teams.
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