Palaces of Reason and Delight: Treasure Houses of Britain, Program 2 (1985)

Directed by: Peter Newington

Host and Narrator: John Julius Norwich

Palaces of Reason and Delight is the second program in a series of three one-hour films that provide viewers with unprecedented access to some of Great Britain's most magnificent houses from the fifteenth century into the twentieth.  With John Julius Norwich, The Viscount Norwich, as guide, the programs explore the history, the collections, and the architecture of these stately houses and include interviews with some of the current owners who discuss both the privileges and problems of living in an historic house.  Palaces of Reason and Delight takes viewers on a personal tour of Blenheim Palace, Houghton Hall, Bowhill, Newark Castle, Drumlanrig Castle, Boughton House, West Wycombe Park, St. Lawrence Church, West Wycombe and Syon House.  For one hour viewers will see and hear the family histories told from living members in charge of continuing their legacy.  See the World's largest collection of toy soldiers, and the underground catacombs once used for Dionysian style celebrations in the middle of the eighteenth century.