Charles Spencer
@charlesspencer.bsky.social
History and nonfiction author, public speaker, broadcaster, & columnist for FT Wealth. Custodian (for this generation) of Althorp House, and run the Althorp Literary Festival. Author of 4 Sunday Times bestsellers. FRHistS and FSA.
This week I was taken to see these beautiful windows, by William Morris, commissioned by my great-grandfather Robert Spencer to commemorate his wife Margaret, who died giving birth to their sixth child. Wonderful, in a way, that intense grief gave birth to such glorious creations.
October 23, 2025 at 8:49 AM
This week I was taken to see these beautiful windows, by William Morris, commissioned by my great-grandfather Robert Spencer to commemorate his wife Margaret, who died giving birth to their sixth child. Wonderful, in a way, that intense grief gave birth to such glorious creations.
July sky, for Bluesky.
July 21, 2025 at 11:32 AM
July sky, for Bluesky.
New neighbours have moved in at Althorp - a quartet of beautiful alpacas. Incredibly positive and happy energy emanating from them - everyone here smiles when they set eyes on them. Happy birthday, @catjarman.bsky.social - these are for you!
June 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM
New neighbours have moved in at Althorp - a quartet of beautiful alpacas. Incredibly positive and happy energy emanating from them - everyone here smiles when they set eyes on them. Happy birthday, @catjarman.bsky.social - these are for you!
Reposted by Charles Spencer
Terrific new column from @charlesspencer.bsky.social: "These are all potential futures for the British aristocracy, although it has survived difficult spots before" www.ft.com/content/3ef2...
What will life after the House of Lords look like for Britain’s aristocrats?
European nobles have found fresh purpose in business and the arts after losing political power
www.ft.com
May 20, 2025 at 9:13 AM
Terrific new column from @charlesspencer.bsky.social: "These are all potential futures for the British aristocracy, although it has survived difficult spots before" www.ft.com/content/3ef2...
First peonies of the season opened at Althorp today.
May 13, 2025 at 5:12 PM
First peonies of the season opened at Althorp today.
Cascade of wisteria, at Althorp.
May 8, 2025 at 4:40 PM
Cascade of wisteria, at Althorp.
Double rainbow this evening at Althorp.
April 21, 2025 at 7:53 PM
Double rainbow this evening at Althorp.
Easter Monday.
April 21, 2025 at 10:04 AM
Easter Monday.
Wednesday normally means a new episode of the Rabbit Hole Detectives but @RevRichardColes @CatJarman & I signed off on this podcast with a final, live, episode at @AlthorpHouse on Friday. Thanks so much to all of you who listened!
April 16, 2025 at 4:12 PM
Wednesday normally means a new episode of the Rabbit Hole Detectives but @RevRichardColes @CatJarman & I signed off on this podcast with a final, live, episode at @AlthorpHouse on Friday. Thanks so much to all of you who listened!
I’m excited to have the @AlthorpLitFest returning to @AlthorpHouse this Friday-Sunday: so many fantastic authors kindly coming to stay, and speak. Weather set fair. Please go to althorp.com if you want to come to any talks that haven’t sold out already
April 7, 2025 at 11:32 AM
I’m excited to have the @AlthorpLitFest returning to @AlthorpHouse this Friday-Sunday: so many fantastic authors kindly coming to stay, and speak. Weather set fair. Please go to althorp.com if you want to come to any talks that haven’t sold out already
Gorgeous light at Althorp this afternoon.
April 5, 2025 at 3:57 PM
Gorgeous light at Althorp this afternoon.
Althorp in c.1890, and today. No cows allowed on the lawns these days - otherwise, much the same.
February 23, 2025 at 11:56 AM
Althorp in c.1890, and today. No cows allowed on the lawns these days - otherwise, much the same.
Amazing what lies in the ground at historic UK houses, like @AlthorpHouse - some finds give rise to fascinating questions. Does anyone still grow ‘silver pippin’ apples or pears? The Walled Garden at Althorp was in its pomp from c.1730 till 1939. Photo: A. Greeno
February 15, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Amazing what lies in the ground at historic UK houses, like @AlthorpHouse - some finds give rise to fascinating questions. Does anyone still grow ‘silver pippin’ apples or pears? The Walled Garden at Althorp was in its pomp from c.1730 till 1939. Photo: A. Greeno
Three months old, first night out. Always a relief when the second puppy jab is done.
February 14, 2025 at 3:39 AM
Three months old, first night out. Always a relief when the second puppy jab is done.
First signs of light at 7.27 this morning. At last the winter nights are shortening.
January 22, 2025 at 7:29 AM
First signs of light at 7.27 this morning. At last the winter nights are shortening.
The Deer Park at Althorp, last night.
January 12, 2025 at 3:47 PM
The Deer Park at Althorp, last night.
At the back of Althorp Park.
January 9, 2025 at 9:09 PM
At the back of Althorp Park.
The Round Oval Lake at Althorp, this evening.
January 6, 2025 at 5:48 PM
The Round Oval Lake at Althorp, this evening.
This morning, at @althorphouse.bsky.social
January 5, 2025 at 11:17 AM
This morning, at @althorphouse.bsky.social
The Moon above Althorp’s Stables, this cold crisp evening.
January 2, 2025 at 5:13 PM
The Moon above Althorp’s Stables, this cold crisp evening.
A team of workmen tending Althorp’s front courtyard, in 1861 - a historic moment in time, to see out 2024, while wishing you all a very Happy New Year.
December 31, 2024 at 8:10 AM
A team of workmen tending Althorp’s front courtyard, in 1861 - a historic moment in time, to see out 2024, while wishing you all a very Happy New Year.
Happy Christmas, from Althorp. (The tree was grown here.)
December 10, 2024 at 8:43 PM
Happy Christmas, from Althorp. (The tree was grown here.)
Althorp, 84 Decembers ago.
December 8, 2024 at 4:52 PM
Althorp, 84 Decembers ago.
If you’re at a loose end at 6.15 this evening, you could tune in to @bbcradio4.bsky.social and listen to this….
November 30, 2024 at 2:57 PM
If you’re at a loose end at 6.15 this evening, you could tune in to @bbcradio4.bsky.social and listen to this….