Susannah Walker: Institutions Behind the Gates: The Many Lives of Erlestoke
Susannah Walker: Institutions Behind the Gates: The Many Lives of Erlestoke

4pm Sunday 21 November 2027

In the early nineteenth century, Erlestoke House was one of the grand houses of Wiltshire, housing great works of art and hosting royalty. But now, all that remains is a building footprint within HMP Erlestoke. This talk explores the long history of Erlestoke House, a story which includes contentious fortunes, rich heiresses, bankruptcy, boarding houses, army officers and borstal boys. But this isn’t just about one house; Erlestoke also demonstrates that stately homes are immutable and unchanging heritage – and perhaps also that even at their height, they were also a kind of institution. 

Susannah Walker combined a career in campaigning and consultancy with writing books on a diverse range of subjects including vintage posters, the meaning of the things we own and the ancient roads of the south west. Her new book, Bad Manors – an Alternative History of the Stately Home will be published in April 2027 by Extraordinary Books.




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Bratton History Association.

The Bratton History Association aims to provide all those curious about local history with an opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and discover more about the history of Bratton and Wiltshire. Activities include monthly meetings, talks by professional historians, visits to places of interest to historians, and our own local history project.

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