These new, fully revised official souvenir guides, published in partnership with the Royal Collection to mark the Diamond Jubilee, include titles on the magnificent palaces and residences, on the finest working stables in existence, on the largest dolls house in the world and on the enthralling history of the royal line of succession. Written by specialist authors including the curators of the Royal Collection, beautifully illustrated and containing details of the works of art, the architecture, stories of occupants, photographs and plans, each book gives a fascinating insight into these famous sites, their history and contents. Buckingham Palace is one of the most readily recognised buildings in the world and one of the few remaining working royal palaces. This official guide to Buckingham Palace provides an illustrated account of the history of the royal palace that serves as Her Majesty The Queen's office and London residence, as well as the administrative headquarters of the Royal Household. It contains an introduction to the Palace today; a history of the building and architecture of the Palace; fascinating stories about the Palace's occupants, from George III to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II; a visitor's map of the State Rooms and an illustrated tour of the State Rooms and their contents. AUTHOR: Jonathan Marsden is the Director of the Royal Collection. SELLING POINTS: *The official guidebook to Buckingham Palace *Illustrated with over 110 colour images including beautiful photographs of the State Rooms, plus historic documents and drawings and many works of art *Features highlights from the Picture Gallery's world-class collection of paintings 109 colour & 11 b/w illustrations

An illustrated account of the world’s most famous stage – its history, the performers and visitors it has hosted, and its mission to educate and inspire. Embedded in the fabric of London since 1871, the Royal Albert Hall is the world's most famous stage and embodies all that is fundamental to the arts - inspiring, aspirational and, most importantly, accessible. This official guide provides an illustrated account of the history of the building, the huge variety of events and people who have taken to the stage, and the Hall's ongoing work to create memories, change lives and provide inspiration through music. It makes a perfect accompaniment to the many guided tours the Hall offers, or an attractive souvenir, providing a detailed insight into this iconic building and its unrivalled programme of events.

- The official guidebook to the Windsor Castle - Illustrated with 130 color images including paintings, drawings, works of art, historic documents and beautiful photographs of the State Rooms These new, fully revised official souvenir guides, published in partnership with the Royal Collection to mark the Diamond Jubilee, include titles on the magnificent palaces and residences, on the finest working stables in existence, on the largest dolls house in the world and on the enthralling history of the royal line of succession. Written by specialist authors including the curators of the Royal Collection, beautifully illustrated and containing details of the works of art, the architecture, stories of occupants, photographs and plans, each book gives a fascinating insight into these famous sites, their history and contents. Windsor Castle, the largest and oldest occupied castle in the world, is one of the official residences of Her Majesty The Queen. The Castle's dramatic site encapsulates over 900 years of British history. It covers an area of 26 acres and contains, as well as a royal palace, the magnificent St George's Chapel and the homes and workplaces of a large number of people. This fully illustrated official souvenir guide details the history of the Castle from its founder, William the Conqueror, to the present day, including the fire of 1992 and the superb restoration of the damaged rooms, and presents a beautifully illustrated tour of the Castle, including the State Apartments and Semi-State Apartments and their treasures.

This guidebook for the National Maritime Museum explores its galleries, buildings, and historic collections.

The volcanic crag that dominates Stirling was probably fortified from ancient times, but the importance of Stirling Castle as a royal residence peaked in the 16th century. Around 1500, James IV added new buildings including the vast Great Hall. The elegant Chapel Royal was built by James VI in 1594. But the heart of Stirling Castle is the spectacular Palace, commissioned by James V in the 1530s. Its exuberant design drew on the fashions of the European Renaissance to express James's power and sophistication. Following a major programme of research, Historic Scotland has re-presented the Palace interiors as they might have looked when James V's grand scheme was completed.This book also includes a guide to Argyll's Lodging and Mar's Wark, grand residences occupied by major nobles near castle.

The Neolithic village known as Skara Brae was continuously occupied for about 300 to 400 years, before being abandoned around 2500 BC. Despite severe coastal erosion, eight houses and a workshop have survived largely intact, with their stone furniture still in place. This is the best-preserved settlement of its period in northern Europe, and thousands of artefacts were discovered during excavations of the site.Who lived here? How did they live? And why did they ultimately abandon the village? In this lively account, Dr David Clarke, who led major excavations at Orkney's Skara Brae, describes the details of the site and explores some of the enigmas posed by this extraordinary survival.