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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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Strawberry Hill
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(21km/13m SW of central London) House which was an early and influential example of the *Gothic Revival. In 1749 Horace *Walpole bought a small house close to the Thames at *Twickenham and set about transforming it into 'a little Gothic castle'. Over the next 25 years he added new wings and towers in a medieval-rococo style. The building was the ideal setting for his own life-long performance, which would be described nowadays as high camp. Strawberry Hill outraged the Victorians (more serious about their Gothic) but is today much appreciated. Since 1923 the house and grounds have been the home of St Mary's, a teacher training college.
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