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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Stratfield Saye
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(14km/9m S of Reading)
House of about 1630, with its interiors largely remodelled during the 18C, which was bought by the duke of *Wellington in 1817. After his victory at *Waterloo, parliament voted him £600,000 for a suitable home (following the precedent of *Marlborough and *Blenheim Palace a century earlier). He chose Stratfield Saye, intending to build a palace in its grounds. Instead he settled into the existing house, modest only by palatial standards. It has remained the family home of his descendants, but is also a richly stocked museum of trophies and mementoes of the 'Iron Duke'.
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