Sandringham Days: The Domestic Life of the Royal Family in Norfolk, 1862-1952

by John Matson

This is a fascinating portrait of royal life at Sandringham, from the early life of Albert Edward to the modern day. Drawing on letters, diaries and contemporary reports, it is a rich exploration of the private lives of Britain's royal family. From family life at the estate to the first visit of Queen Victoria, the glittering parties of the early twentieth century and all the way up to the death of King George V, the reigns of his sons and the Sandringham of today, it will delight anyone with an interest in the lives of the British royal family.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, British Literature

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2012

Reviews

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, little book about a much-loved residence of the British royal family. The story begins with the purchase of Sandringham and ends with the death of King George VI in 1952. Apart from a couple of factual errors, this book is an engaging look at a family's country house, and the life that family lived when in residence.

[Catherine Jeffrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this when I visited the Sandringham estate so it was interesting to read the history of the house . It would have been nice to have had more at the end about the changes to the estate to accommodate all the visitors.

[Lori Putz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting view

This book looks at monarchy from the viewpoint of the land. It does gloss over some more unsavory parts of the individuals but approaches the land with reverence.

[Barbara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Review

The book was very boring and I'm thankful I even finished it. I don't know exactly why I didn't like the book, but it waa boring.

[Mary Craven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a lover of British Royal history, so enjoyed this book very much. The life of the Royal Family at Sandringham covers a period of 150 years, but this book looks most deeply at the first 90 years. The reading was informative and enjoyable. This is a history of the families' everyday lives, not often written about in the grander records of time
I would caution those not familiar with royal history to read carefully, as time progresses and the people holding various titles changes. This is sometimes difficult because the book is not written on a entirely lineal timeline, but sometimes jumps ahead or back as a topic is discussed.
There are a few missed errors, as on page 30 where Queen Victoria arrives to visit her gravely ill son (not her husband as is written) since Prince Albert did not live long enough to see the purchase of the estate or visit it.

[Rebecca Huston · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very good look at the history of Sandringham House, one of the residences of the UK's Royal family. The story goes from the reigns of Edward VII to the current monarch, Elizabeth II. Lots of little gossipy details, and there are tragedies as well as the happier moments. A recommendation for anyone interested in royalty. Four stars overall.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/John_M...