Fortune's Many Houses: A Victorian Visionary, a Noble Scottish Family, and a Lost Inheritance

by Simon Welfare

A unique and fascinating look at Victorian society through the remarkable lives of an enlightened and philanthropic aristocratic couple, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen, who tried to change the world for the better but paid a heavy price. This is a true tale of love and loss, fortune and misfortune.
In the late 19th century, John and Ishbel Gordon, the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen, were the couple who seemed to have it all: a fortune that ran into the tens of millions, a magnificent stately home in Scotland surrounded by one of Europe's largest estates, a townhouse in London's most fashionable square, cattle ranches in Texas and British Columbia, and the governorships of Ireland and Canada where they lived like royalty.

Together they won praise for their work as social reformers and pioneers of women's rights, and enjoyed friendships with many of the most prominent figures of the age, from Britain's Prime Ministers to Oliver Wendell-Holmes and P.T. Barnum and Queen Victoria herself. Yet by the time they died in the 1930s, this gilded couple's luck had long since run out: they had faced family tragedies, scandal through their unwitting involvement in one of the "crimes of the century" and, most catastrophically of all, they had lost both their fortune and their lands.

This fascinating family quest for the reason for their dramatic downfall is also a moving and colorful exploration of society in Victorian Britain and North America and an inspirational feast for history lovers.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Victorian, Architecture, British Literature, Scotland

352 pages, Hardcover

First published February 16, 2021

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

This wasn’t for me. There was too much about architecture and decor and not enough about their philanthropy. Obviously a lot of research was done, but I’m amazed that anyone kept such detailed records of the domestic details. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

[Janilyn Kocher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welfare provides an in-depth look at one family of privilege and their efforts to give back to society. Most Victorian era rich gave to charitable donations, but this family outshone them. I found the reading informative while being educational. One aspect that I really liked was the conversion of British pounds to American dollars in the foot notes. I always wonder about the conversion so I was pleased to see that provided. Stories of the peerage has always fascinated me and I liked this one. The author went into great detail about the scandals and eventual downfall of the family.

[Gareth Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the feel of a real-life 'Brideshead Revisited', full of towering good deeds and devastating miscalculations, 'Fortune's Many Houses' is a fantastic fusion of biography and memoir. At its heart, Simon Welfare has placed his extraordinary family story of an aristocratic heroine who dazzled British high society while attempting to make the world a better - and kinder - place.

(An ARC was sent to me by the publishers.)

[Cosima demaglie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 1st book I've read written by Simon Welfore ; great job at writing a good book;

The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.

I loved the characters.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Margery · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was not sure I would find this book interesting. However, I found the author's retelling of the life of Johnny and Ishbel Gordon to be quite engaging. I knew little of the details of the Victorian aristocratic society in England, Ireland and Scotland. This book illuminated that period of time for me. It is very rich in detail, extremely well researched and documented.

To say Ishbel, supported by Johnny, was progressive in her thinking and pushing for societal and political changes, seems and understatement. From championing Irish home rule to women's rights, bettering local healthcare, and establishing home industries, (just to name a few of her causes) Ishbel's reach was both wide in scope and distance. She and Johnny not only repeatedly crisscrossed today's United Kingdom, they traveled to North America on several occasions, from Texas to California to Manitoba and Ottawa. Sometimes they traveled with an entourage of 90, which seems incredible to me. At times they entertained a thousand people.

While their good works were admirable, neither Johnny nor Ishbel paid attention to their accounts, lavishly spending on not only their works, but also homes and entertainment. Johnny also forgave debts of tenants during hard times, at a great personal loss in income. Until near the end of their lives, they bought, remodeled, expanded and maintained homes in Texas, Canada, Ireland, Scotland and England. In the end, their uncontrolled spending exhausted their fortune and they were forced to sell their homes. The one thing not included in this book that I would really liked to have seen is a "family tree" of the Gordons' homes: the house name, location, and date bought/sold would have really helped me to keep all the homes straight in my mind. The homes played such a large role in recounting the lives of the Gordons that this would have been a great tool in visualizing more clearly all their properties.

I thank the publisher, Atria Books, for an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Anne Morgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Fortune's Many Houses" follows the lives of Johnny and Ishbel Hamilton-Gordon, Lord and Lady Aberdeen. Two very rich aristocrats with the unusual (for the time) desire to help members of the working classes and the poor- not through mere charitable donations but by actively providing support and building organizations to assist. Whether in Scotland, Ireland, America, or elsewhere Johnny and Ishbel do their best to help those in need and support family members, Much of Simon Welfare's focus goes (as the title suggests) to the houses they bought, rented, briefly lived in, and renovated. Every place they lived was renovated extensively and expensively. I enjoyed the descriptions of the renovations and decorations, true examples of over the top spending to make homes 'livable'. I do wish the book had been a bit tighter written to help keep the narrative flowing, as I often got lost or distracted by side stories and extensive footnotes. All interesting, but taking away from the main family we are meant to be focused on. The regular use of foreshadowing disaster ('if only they had known then', 'the next time they met would be under very different circumstances' etc.) got old and definitely distracted rather than added to my reading of the narrative flow.

Overall, an interesting book on two people trying to do good while clearly not being as practical as they should have been, this is perhaps more than the casual nonfiction reader will want to handle.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it a rich people thing to have no idea how to manage your money and then spend it lavishly on things you don't need? This is a large part of what I got out of Fortune's Many Houses - maybe because I don't have lots of money, and I'm not British, so the prestige of many of these things goes straight over my head. Don't get me wrong, the Aberdeens, the focus of this recounting, did start many initiatives that helped improve the lives of many people. They also were more humane and supportive to their staff than many landed (and lorded) people of their time. But it's hard not to focus on the excessiveness of their nature when reading this book. It's interesting and informative, but also more than a little bit exhausting and bewildering. The author is full of facts, and to some extent this does Welfare a disservice. There is a tremendous number of footnotes in the book, many quite extensive, but in reading them it takes away from the general flow of the book. As interesting as they are the book would have felt tighter and more focused if these had been more limited in nature. This book may be perfect for readers with a fascination with members of the British aristocracy, particularly in the dying days of having large and multiple landed properties - but may be a little much for a casual nonfiction reader.

[Nan Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

What an interesting non-fiction family saga of the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen! Not only were the stories of the families, themselves, fascinating, but the footnotes, expanding on the history of the times were quite enlightening.

It’s very timely in today’s understanding (or misunderstanding) about the bottomless pit of wealth.

Beautifully crafted work. It was a real pleasure to read.

A big thank you to Simon & Schuster for the gift of this biography.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a joint biography of John Campbell Gordon, 7th Early of Aberdeen and his wife, who was born Ishbel Marjoribanks. Both were born into fabulously wealthy families. In his twenties, Johnny inherited seventy-five thousand acres in Scotland: "He owned, it was said, the largest parcel of prime arable land in Europe, bar those that belonged to emperors or kings" (xiii). Ishbel was born into immense privilege and wealth in 1857: "She was the granddaughter of Queen Victoria's banker, and the daughter of a brewer whose expensive habit of collecting mansions, castles, and rare works of art with which to furnish them, barely dented his vast fortune" (xiii). Together, they lived a lavish lifestyle of numerous homes staffed by hundreds of servants. Yet they were devoted to lives of good work. In particular, Ishbel "became one of the great social reformers of the nineteenth century" (xiv). Yet despite their wealth, by the end of their lives, they had totally depleted their funds on various houses, their lifestyle, and their significant good works.

Ishbel seems to have worked indefatigably on various projects that caught her interest. For instance, she founded the Haddo House Association, which served as a virtual school for housemaids and cooks and very ahead of its time. Later, in support of this organization, which numbered by then in the thousands of members, she launched and edited a magazine for the organization. Later, this led to a spin-off for children, representing the "world's first magazine for children" (88). Ishbel and Johnny were very solicitous to their servants during a time period when lords and ladies rarely even knew their employees' names. Ishbel always insisted on personally touring the servants' quarters before purchasing or renting any home so she could be satisfied that the space was adequate for their comfort.

During their marriage, Johnny served as both Lord Lieutenant of Ireland and Governor General of Canada. This was yet another immense drain on their finances, as Johnny's official salary didn't even begin to cover the immense expenses expected for those holding the positions to entertain on a royal scale. In their final years, they lived in greatly reduced circumstances and had to arrange for their expenses paid in exchange for their house to be given up after Johnny's death. After their deaths, it was revealed that Ishbel had been forced to sell off much of artwork and even diamonds and other jewels from the family collection to support their expenses.

Thanks to their roles and the time period, there is immense detail about the daily comings and goings of Ishbel and Johnny. I felt like the reader gets a keen sense of how they spent their days in the biography. However, in other ways I felt as if I still didn't quite know who they were or how they felt. I didn't get much a sense of their personalities or reactions to events, such as the loss of two of their children or how Ishbel felt when Johnny died before her. Of course, that is the type of detail that likely would not have been noted at the time in the stiff upper lip British aristocracy.

On a personal note, as a Golden Retriever owner, I was delighted to learn that it was Ishbel's father who is credited with breeding what is now known as the Golden Retriever beginning in the 1860s! Ishbel's youngest brother Archie had a failed attempt at cowboy life in the Texas Panhandle, but it did result in introducing Golden Retrievers to North America, thanks to his dog "Lady."

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the compelling riches to rags story of Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen who lived the majority of their years during the Victorian era. Their land and estates were worth millions upon millions in today's currency but due to their lavish spending habits (balls and festivals rivaled those of royalty, not to mention their huge staff of 70 at times and many vast home refurbishments and builds), generosity (they not only gave of their time but finances to a large number of causes, many of which Ishbel herself implemented and patronized) and naivette (they bought land in Canada and America sight unseen at times, or very infrequently visited) nearly every penny was spent at the time of John's death. It is unfathomable for us to imagine. But Johnny and Ishbel were accustomed to pure luxury and thought their land and ranches would be much more productive and profitable than they were (climate and poor management were huge factors). They were also taken advantage of by many.

Simon Welfare has clearly researched this subject thoroughly from letters and other documentation to provide his readers with more than just a glimpse into these fascinating lives which were spent living in Scotland, England, Ireland, Canada and America. Though this level of lifestyle may seem enviable, in my opinion it wouldn't be. There were endless parties, events, meetings, teas and balls to attend, often several a day as well as many high-ranking people to impress (Ishbel's jewels and clothing were worth a fortune) and many organizations to keep afloat. Wherever they went Ishbel gave, including talks in Manitoba about beautification, art shows in the UK and the Victoria Union of Nurses in Canada (this story was one of my favourites as I know all about the brutal weather on the Canadian prairies and north). To facilitate greeting many people and dignitaries it was necessary in their view to build and rebuild homes, adding spectacular rooms. Knowing the value of some of of the old masters' artworks which they owned alone is mind blowing, let alone everything else. This extreme privilege does not make one happy, as they discovered. Their lives were affected by deaths and other tragedies, too. Hard work and insane hours took their toll as well. Their children were cherished but how much time did they have to spend with them? Amongst their close friends were the Gladstones. Authors including Anthony Trollope and J. M. Barrie wrote about them. Not everyone loved this couple.

I was unaware of the origin of Golden Retrievers! What I liked best about Johnny and Ishbel was their drive for social awareness and change, regardless of what others thought. They plowed ahead, doing what they felt was right and just which at times took them into dubious neighbourhoods. So many moves would not be easy, either. Yes, their homes were extraordinary but they usually spent a few months here before moving on to the next one due to Johnny's many official duties including being the Governor General of Canada. There is so much more, including their last days and final financial worth after having to sell everything they possibly could, even furniture!

This entrancing book was remarkably interesting to read and I recommend it to anyone interested in this era, especially Nonfiction readers. You will undoubtedly learn a great deal.

My sincere thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this fabulous book in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated.

[Debra Pawlak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance reading copy of this book directly from the publisher as well as NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair review. The story of the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen, Johnny and Ishbel Gordon, took many unusual twists and turns. They started out as a very wealthy couple who lived on an elaborate estate in Scotland. Their story could have begun and ended there, but these two had other plans. Ishbel was not only a philanthopist, but she worked hard to improve the lives of women and children by opening schools and advocating for women's rights. When Queen Victoria appointed Johnny Viceroy to Ireland, their tireless efforts endeared them to the suffering Irish. Likewise, when Johnny was appointed Governor of Canada, they worked hard to ensure that the lives of those hardworking people were made better. The Gordons's biggest problem was that they spent more money than they brought in and when they died in the 1930s, they were flat broke, but the good works they left behind became their legacy. Author Simon Welfare did a great job researching and bringing to life the Gordon family (of which his wife is a descendent). He had access to many papers, letters, and various documents that detailed the activities of the Marquess and Marchioness. My only complaint was that the wealth of information was a bit scattered at times, but interesting nonetheless. I think Ishbell summed it up nicely when she said that she might have made many mistakes, but hoped she did more good than harm. We all should be as selfless as Johnny and Ishbel. Nicely done, Mr. Welfare. We could all learn something from this magnanimous couple who rarely thought of themselves.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

Fortune’s Many Houses is an engaging look at the lives of Johnny and Ishbel Gordon, Lord and Lady Aberdeen, through the various houses they lived in, built, and expanded during their marriage. I enjoy reading social histories and was hooked on this story after a few chapters. The Aberdeens led fascinating lives and the author walks us through the ups and downs of their journey, as well as the political and societal changes of the time, in a well-researched and smooth narrative. There were some moments when the timeline seemed to jump forward or backward and got a bit confusing, but the main thread of the story was consistent and kept me on track. Extensive footnotes expanded on many topics to add effective context to the book.

This is a great read for anyone interested in the dramatic political, economic, and societal changes that occurred in the United Kingdom and Ireland at the end of the 19th century and the early 20th century.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding people with terrific ideas (which they did implement) but poor money management skills who left a lasting legacy for people on more than one continent. This is a very well researched and written history of the ideas and their implementation by highly motivated but spendthrift people which is unlikely to be repeated today. Despite the minutiae and the translation of money, this is a very readable book, not just in the nonfiction genre either! Excellent descriptions!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Atria Books, a division of Simon and Schuster, Inc. via NetGalley. Thank you to Raaga Rajagopala.

[Brian · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good look at the lives of a Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen told through the lenses of the many houses they inhabited throughout their lives. Johnny and Ishbel were fabulously wealthy, but their compulsive building, buying, remodeling, and giving to various charitable enterprises saw the vast majority of that wealth disappear rather quickly.

Told by someone who has married into the family, this account can get a little dull with regard to some details. However, there are many tidbits that make this book well-worth picking up.

Interesting reading.

[Rachel Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED this book and savoured every chapter. It is a fascinating account of Lord and Lady Aberdeen's financial rise and eventual downfall. During their wonderfully interesting lives, they did so much good, that its hard to fault them. They used their own wealth and power to support and promote those who were less fortunate wherever they went in the world. Until I read this book I was unaware of the Canadian connection to the Aberdeen's. (I grew up near Haddo House in Scotland, and now live in Canada.) So that was an added bonus. I think this book would make a terrific TV show! I'd love to see Ishbel brought to life on the screen. She's such a fascinating character.

[James M · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first started reading this book I was worried that I would would get lost in too many unfamiliar people and places that were unfamiliar to me. This was quickly remedied by the authors good writing and I became more familiar to all the places and people, especially Johnny and Ishbel Gordon. There fantastic life of caring and giving was well conveyed in this excellent biography.

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author does an amazing job of breathing life into the characters. What could easily be a black-and-white, dry recital of biographical details and blueprints is instead a vibrant picture of a particular place, time, and social strata.

https://www.mwgerard.com/books-for-ma...

[Catherine McClelland · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an eccentric and interesting couple who strove to do work pomoting the good of society.

[Gia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting story of Ishbel and Johnny Aberdeen. They lived quite a life of giving and helping others. Although it destroyed their bank account, they never faltered and kept doing for others.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. A very fascinating read. If you like books about the gilded age you will enjoy this.

[Michele Lawson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a DNF for me. There was just too much about the houses, the architecture, the furniture, etc. I need a connection to the occupants, which I just couldn't make.

[Helen Geng · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read Dec 2021

NYPL book

[Karen McG · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fortune’s Many Houses is a historical book that follows the lives of the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen. The book draws you into the lives and times of the couple and those around them. We learn the sweet story of how the couple met, their work to help others, the pains they face in life, the homes they owned and lived in, and the fortune that was lost. A perfect book for history lovers and true romantics.
(I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher for my honest review.)

[Stacey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is mainly a story of John & Ishbel Gordon, a titled and very wealthy Victorian couple who, by the time they died lost their immense fortune, partly through philanthropy and partly through spending. This book took me a while to get through, non-fiction often goes slower than fiction especially when dealing with British nobility and their ever changing hereditary titles (it takes a bit to remember who's who). Being that both John and Ishbel came from wealthy families and were the Marquess and Marchioness of Aberdeen, you would expect that maintiaining their wealth would be easy, but Simon Welfare shows that through profligate spending on land and houses, poor investments, charitable works, and the expense of being Lord Lieutenant of Ireland (twice) and Governor General of Canada as well as the general upheaval of Victorian England can quickly drain the coffers. I really enjoyed this work, even if it took me a while to finish, John and Ishbel sound like wonderful people, taking care of their tenants, servants and the less fortunate whenever possible and I think they would have been interesting to meet. The author had immense access to a treasure trove of documents from Haddo House and grew up in the area and his knowledge sets a wonderful picture of the family and locations.

I receive a free e-book from NetGalley & Atria.