Opening a Treasure Chest

Liz Davenport:

Opening a Treasure Chest- a peek at a Victorian family and their Mansion through surviving letters.

Many of you will have heard about, and maybe visited, the unfinished Woodchester Mansion near Stroud, built for the wealthy Roman Catholic convert William Leigh. In 2005 a collection of Leigh family memorabilia was discovered in the attic of a house in Brighton. Comprising letters, photographs, accounts and some books, it casts light on this interesting Victorian family. The collection has enabled us to learn more about the Leighs and their unique Mansion. The talk will introduce you to the family, describe some of their letters, their problems and accomplishments, and travel across the globe. It is illustrated with images of the letters, drawings and family photos.