An impecunious naval officer is unexpectedly offered a castle, a village, and a 4,000 acre estate. Hooray! It's like winning the pools...or is it? Although the framework of this memoir is Rockingham Castle, and its pivotal influence on its owner's 15 years work with the Historic Houses Association, the story covers a much wider field. The first section on the Navy and the subsequent chapters on chairmanship of the National Curriculum History Working Group and the British Library are illuminating to say the least. This is an intriguing new book about an irresistible challenge. It is an essential reading for anyone concerned with Britain's heritage. The writing is pacey - and always with a sense of humour bubbling to the surface.

Foreword by: Tam Dalyell