The basis of this book is a manuscript discovered in a country bookshop in southern England, far away from the stately home, Matfen Hall in Northumberland, where it was written. It was ‘rescued’ by Charles Sebag-Montefiore, a well-known bibliophile and Treasurer of the London Library, and is the work of a Lady Blackett, the Victorian wife of Sir Edward Blackett Bt. of Matfen Hall.
The Ship that Came Home presents a history of an important northern family, which incorporates some of Lady Blackett’s writing and many of her pictures and photographs. The author, Bill Purdue (Reader in British History at the Open University), also embraces the history of the many Blackett houses and the use they are put to today – Anderson Place (since demolished), Wallington, Newby Hall (one of the most splendid private mansions in the North), Wylam Hall and Matfen Hall (now a luxury hotel).
"What a handsome book and full of good things !"
Hugh Dixon, National Trust North Territory
