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Black Diamonds

The Rise and Fall of an English Dynasty

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

An extraordinary tale of family feuds, forbidden love, civil unrest and the downfall of a mining dynasty

Wentworth in Yorkshire was surrounded by 70 collieries employing tens of thousands of men. It is the finest and largest Georgian house in Britain and belonged to the Fitzwilliam family.

England's forgotten palace, it belonged to Britain's richest aristocrats. Black Diamonds tells the story of its demise: family feuds, forbidden love, class war, and a tragic and violent death played their part. But coal, one of the most emotive issues in twentieth century British politics, lies at its heart.

This is the extraordinary story of how the fabric of English society shifted beyond recognition in fifty turbulent years in the twentieth century.

©2022 Catherine Bailey (P)2022 Penguin Audio Europe Great Britain England War Winston Churchill United Kingdom

Critic reviews

"Magnificent...peels back the grand façade of Wentworth to reveal a family riven with fueds, mental illness and forbidden love." (Tatler)

"A compelling new history...fascinating insights into the dynasty that once ruled this Yorkshire roost." (Daily Mail)

"An aristocratic tale of epic proportions, this gripping novel cleverly interweaves interviews, letters and historical fact...Fascinating." (Easy Living)
All stars
Most relevant
This books charters through the Fitzwilliam family’s history with engaging analysis and anecdotes
Loved it!

Enjoyed every word

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Good story, well written and well told by the narrator. It feels like it was as true to real life history as it could be.

Family relationships - how they have changed

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fascinating stories woven into one, I pictured every scene in the house and learnt loads about local history.

fascinating stories about local history

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There was nothing to dislike, it thoroughly engaged, educated and entertained me for hours! Story of Kick Kennedy an unexpected bonus. I need to visit Wentworth ASAP

Just brilliant

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My family lived through this era in Barnsley and its pit villages and the story rings true.

The local and society accents are very well-performed. Only a few mis-speakings - some local names like Elsecar and Hoyland defeated the narrator!

Enthralling weaving of story and social history

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