Michael Hall

How Country Life’s 125-year journey began, thanks to a visionary founder

As Country Life celebrates its 125th anniversary, Michael Hall tells the remarkable story of how the magazine came into being under the exacting eye of its founding editor, Edward Hudson.

The mysteries of Ightham Mote, from its early origins to the skeleton discovered behind a bricked-up door

Ightham Mote is one of the most beautiful medieval houses in Britain. The tale of its murky origins and recent restoration is a fascinating one.

The restoration of John Soane's museum 'which raised the standards for the re-creation of a historic interior'

Sir John Soane despaired of his children to such an extent that he left his worldly goods to the nation, which became the Central London museum which bears his name.

A.N. Wilson's 'definitive biography' of Prince Albert, balanced, nuanced and challenging