Secrets of Althorp: Spencers

Not only did we enjoy this, we learned a lot, and ended with the greatest respect for the Earl Spencer. He and his advisers have done an amazing job with something so vital to World History. I did not know about their relationship to the Washingtons, and in turn the destiny of the United States. What he has done to honor and preserve Princess Diana and her legacy is amazing and so tastefully done. Very innovative financially to preserve Althorp Estate for many generations to come. The interior is so beautiful...we did not expect such a wonderful show. Thank you all.

This DVD is just okay, in my opinion. Too much time is taken to talk about Diana, with nothing new added to her well-known story. There is also quite a bit of time devoted to the Washington family, I suppose in an effort to appeal to American audiences. I really wanted to see more of a house tour. The part about Althorp being a working farm was interesting, and the contributions by the maid and estate workers was very good. However, if you really want to learn more about Althorp a better choice would be to read Earl Spencer's book Althorp: The Story of a House. Of course, the books doesn't have the advantage of audio and video, but it really is much more informative, with many pictures and stories about the family and the house.

This is a documentary about Althorp. Most of us know it as the childhood home of Lady Diana and her brother Charles, what most of us don't know is the 500 year history with 19 generations that lived there. I was fascinated to find out that the Spencers had a close relationship with the Washington family (George Washtington) and they too have a place nearby. I also loved Charles in this, he explained he was simply the keeper of this estate for future generations. He came across as almost humble and to see the rooms, hear the history and the family stories was fantastic. I would recommend this highly.. MY only complaint is it appears PBS is doing this as a series (Secrets of Hampton Court WONDERFUL), Secrets of .... (you get the idea) so far I have seen four in this series but I wish they would give it a common name so I can catch it on the DVR when they are on.I also love how they compare how things are done today with how they were done centuries ago. Photos complete these stories as well. There was also times when it looked like the estate wouldn't survive, especially during the war where it was in such bad shape even the historical society wouldn't take it when they tried to give it away because the upkeep became to much. But they managed to keep it and the stunning artifacts intact and now improved. Althorp is open to the public two months out of the year and that money goes to charity as well.Interviews with Charles, and some of the caretakers and the gamekeeper on the estate are wonderful additions.I would add this to your library. There is some mention of Diana of course, but there is such a rich history in this family it is really informative and so well done.

This was a better mix of history and house tour than the one on Chatsworth. Charles Spenser is the tour guide and he DOES point out and explain art and furniture and other items in the house. The history is not just Diana which is very good, although perhaps too much on the George Washington link. I still would have preferred more house tour and less history but overall not a bad show.

I watched part of this on PBS and wasn't able to finish it so I purchased it on Amazon. As with everything else, it arrived quickly. It's a very, very well done inside look at Princess Diana's ancestral home but, more than that, it's a look at a dying class and a peek into the landed gentry that is also quickly going away. Charles Spencer does a great job of sharing his family home's history while also keeping his tongue in his cheek regarding the "gentry" part of the past.

If you are interested in English history, or the English aristocracy, then this is for you, particularly if you are an American. The Spencers produced some notable and revolutionary human rights advocates such as the late Diana, Princess of Wales. But did you know that they also played host to George Washington 's (yes, the American president!) ancestors before they left England to seek their fortune in the New World, as America was called back then? Or some of the Spencers' more eccentric ancestors? This also reflects the strong sense of duty that the Spencer family members express which manifests itself throughout this fascinating DVD presentation. A respectful, tasteful documentary and a must see for history lovers everywhere. A good commentary for students of social history.

An excellent DVD about Althorp. Charles, the 9th Earl Spencer is articulate and informative about the Spencer family estate. The information holds your attention. Of course the Earl talks about the most famous Spencer of all - Diana, Princess of Wales. I highly recommend this DVD.

A beautifully presented tour of a wonderfully preserved estate, worth watching over and over again. Charles Spencer, the ninth earl, is a relaxed and gracious host and shares, often with humor, the history of Althorp and the role the Spencers have played in English history.

Very informative! Very well done!