Christopher Simon Sykes grew up at Sledmere, and went on to become a journalist, photographer and writer. His work has appeared in 'Vogue', 'House & Garden', the 'Sunday Telegraph' magazine and 'Architectural Digest' amongst others, and he wrote and presented 'Upper Crust', a six-part series on country house cookery for BBC Two. He has written six and photographed fourteen books, including 'The National Trust Country House Album', 'The Rolling Stones on Tour' and 'The Garden at Buckingham Palace'. Christopher Simon Sykes is married with two children and lives in North London.
'An unusually entertaining, instructive and engaging book... this book is a treat.' Sunday Telegraph 'A meticulously researched labour of love.' Daily Mail 'Romantic, accessible and absorbing...I cared passionately for every one of these people and wanted the book to continue indefinitely.' Daily Telegraph 'Witty, absorbing and touching...a splendid book.' Sunday Times