A House & A Host: Althorp with Earl Spencer

Join artist and designer, Ashley Hicks, as he meets Charles Spencer for a tour of Althorp, the ancestral seat of the Spencer family. In this fascinating film, shot by Felipe Sanguinetti for Cabana, Ashley also sits down with Earl Spencer for a detailed discussion about Althorp's history and magnificent contents, which include its museum-worthy fine art collection.
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[@davidlogan4329]

Earl Spencer has been very kind to so warmly show his beautiful family stately home. What an absolute treat to have him explain many of the magnificent rooms.

[@patrickmiano7901]

He wasn’t so kind when he cheated on his first wife and his mistress too.

[@BlackStump172]

@@patrickmiano7901A bit of DV in that family , his father !

[@patrickmiano7901]

@@BlackStump172 True.

[@mariahoulihan9483]

its MARKETING.. the place is open to the public. Is a business. It has to be.

[@ItsMe-yv9jd]

Gotta say it makes me smile how easily the world was sold the idea that Prince Charles married a common British girl, (a school teacher) instead of a Princess... the fact is, that she was as 'aristocratic' as they get in Britain.

[@pradnyachoukekar]

The Earl is definitely extremely passionate about the house, it's history, and just people in general. It's always a treat to watch him go into the history of it

[@harrisonreiner5398]

I visited there when he was releasing a book, which he signed for me. We spoke a few minutes. He couldn't have been more gracious and lovely and welcoming. The house is so beautiful. I was deeply moved upon seeing Diana's final resting place. He really was just so gracious.

[@dianeadams9537]

ALTHORP IS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL AND AMAZING!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@christineconnell4114]

Earl Spencer is so easy to listen to and his knowledge of his home is outstanding. Thank you. Beautifully presented 🌹

[@BlackStump172]

Earl Spencer very educated and very clever . He has a look of William , who probably inherited his intelligence

[@bobbob-vh9ee]

I think you might be mistaking a posh accent and articulacy for intelligence there. But then, so do most of the English.

[@tiaaletimas797]

I can understand him accent 😅

[@TheLivingBackyard]

What a gorgeous place, what a pleasure to see the paintings and rooms... and a portrait of our dear Lady Diana. Thank you for this video. I'm fascinated seeing what Earl Spencer has done to refresh and keep alive this ancestral place

[@ShaunaPloeger]

What a gracious host the Earl is. I appreciated his view of his home as a kind of living history. History is so important and we need to keep it alive for future generations.

[@gladysclausing8785]

Thank you Earl Spencer for allowing us a visit to your home. I especially enjoyed all the history and a glimpse at family portraits.

[@theherd5830]

I have a beautiful silk bound copy of Earl Spencer’s eulogy for his sister Diana. It was inscribed to me and signed by Charles, Earl Spencer. It is something I will cherish forever. His beautiful home Althorp is a treasure for us all.

[@Mac62671]

I was about 10 when Diana and Charles married. I recall the press making a big deal (at least in the US) of her being just an ordinary young girl who was a preschool teacher or nanny. I was full on adult before I understood that she grew up in a manner like this.

[@westminsterwatcher5152]

Earl Spencer's knowledge of Althorp is simply awe-inspiring. Brilliant interview.

[@melodymacken9788]

What a down to earth sounding guy. Fascinating.

[@keelyguillot4184]

He is so knowledgeable about his own home. He’s so natural!

[@eldorajohnson3894]

Thank you for allowing us to visit your home. I remember when you became the Earl and how much hard work you put into keeping the entire estate going,

[@Hgood1]

I met him at this home for a book signing some years ago. I thought he was absolutely lovely.

[@robyncopeland6567]

Wow need a lot of staff to keep this house the way it is. The Earl seems a nice down to earth person

[@thekingsdaughter4233]

I keep thinking of the Dowager's quip (Downton Abbey) that an aristocrat without staff is about as useful as a glass hammer. People earn a living that way; and it's not like they are forced to work there. Good enough in my book. 😉😊

[@markpalmer8083]

Don't be fooled. He's aristocracy.

[@patrickmiano7901]

Appearances are deceiving. He was a cad in his younger days 25 years ago.

[@patrickmiano7901]

@@thekingsdaughter4233 She meant most of them are useless without their servants to hold their hands.

[@sandradee1579]

​@@patrickmiano7901 In the previous era's thru the 1900's staff were called servants. I read that someone referred to them as such to QE2 & she corrected them by saying they're not servants they're my staff. I thought that was respectful of her.

[@mercyklinesantos]

So beautiful,thank you Earl Spencer.❤️❤️❤️🇨🇦

[@Jenifer_G]

Is there any pictures of Henry the Apes sisters. The Spensors ancestor is one of Henrys sisters and wonder is there any history shown of that episide in this mansion.

[@lisanester3338]

How kind of Earl Spencer to share some of the wonderful history of his beautiful home.🙏🏻💜

[@ElizabethKilbride]

Glad to see that Earl Spencer knows the true history of the house and many of the special pieces with in. Holds the true history of the family.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

This was a treat. A beautiful house with beautiful contents. The Spencer family has done a great job over the years. I’m glad the re-gilding was done, I don’t like to sacrifice all tradition to modern taste.

[@nancyrobertson8661]

What a wonderful tour of an absolutely incredible house. Thank you, Earl Spencer.

[@gsntksmnksh7867]

Ashley Hicks the presenter is one of direct descendents of Queen Victoria, a great great great grandson. He is also a grandson of Earl Mountbatten thus closely related to QE2 , KC3 and Prince Philip.

[@xelakram]

Beautiful stately home. Delightfully gracious host. Thank you.

[@mrscarr4326]

I meet Earl Spencer in Knoxville ,TN USA some years back . He was so kind and tall .

[@twistoffate4791]

How did you come about getting the opportunity? I am jealous, lol. Sounds like a very memorable moment.

[@mrscarr4326]

@ Twist of Fate ..It was a Catered Event at a Furniture Store , Earl Spencer promoted a replica line of Athorp furniture . I also got his book at that time " Althorp Living History The Portfolio " He signed the book for me with a personal message . This was May 30 , 2006 . It was truely an unforgettible evening .

[@French-Kiss24]

What a lovely host. Very interesting history. I would have enjoyed a longer tour.

[@montanacrone8984]

What a responsibility, caring for the home!

[@honestlyyours1069]

What a beautiful, magnificent mansion!

[@fredarowley5117]

Thank you Earl Spencer for allowing this wonderful video of your beautiful home. It makes one proud to be English. Your love for it shines through.

[@thraciangrapes]

I'm very glad that Earl Spencer is taking good care of the Spencer House and fortune. He does a wonderful job. Raine Spencer had at one time sold off many paintings and treasures from the house, to pay the taxes. Many of those treasures have since been recovered and restored to their rightful manor. Bravo! 👏 As an American, I can say that it's too bad stepmothers can't be removed once the fathers pass away, because every stepmother in America robs her stepchildren of their rightful inheritance.

[@destinydeems]

Oh! That is so good to hear about the treasures!

[@karleinegraham446]

Why blame the stepmothers? Isn't the problem derived from a TAX SYSTEM that continues to tax people over and over again on the same asset? How is the tax man to be satisfied? Then there are those who envy the great families and would like to see all their assets stripped from them. To be clear, I think these great families hold and are custodians to a lot of a nation's history.

[@kramnancy1411]

If your daughter married a man who had kids from a previous marriage and spent 20 or 30 years from him do you think it would be fair that he left her completely out of his will once he died only to cast her out on the street. Nothing to show for 30 years worth of equity in the marriage. You are clearly a first wife that is still married. Whatever if you got divorced and remarried you wouldn't want to be treated less than just because you were a second wife.

[@kramnancy1411]

Don't remove somebody just because they died she's the wife because he married her and he won a marriage her why would he need to remove her that's why you get married in the 1st place . Wanted to remove her after his death that he probably wouldn't get married during the 1st place.

[@karleinegraham446]

In the immediate aftermath of Diana's death, massive crowds of people came to see where she was laid to rest. Earl Spencer made a good sum of money from the exhibits on the property about Diana. He then had money to re-aquire some of what had been sold off to pay the inheritance tax owed when their father died. The upkeep of these stately homes take massive amount of money so that is why they must charge an entrance fee, set up enterprises on site and, if extra fortunate, rent them for movies and television shows. A few years ago, Princes William and Harry asked Earl Spencer to return Diana's property to their custody. My hope is that Earl Spencer was sensible enough to also start to save some of the money earned from those booming years so that his son, Viscount Louis, WHEN HE INHERITS, WILL BE ABLE TO PAY INHERITANCE TAX AND NOT HAVE TO SELL FAMILY TREASURES TO RAISE MONEY.

[@patriciahall2223]

I am truly enjoying this wonderful channel ....thank you Earl Spencer 🎄

[@lindaking9222]

Thank you Earl Spenser for sharing Althorp..such an awesome house with all the wonderful & historic furnishings

[@ourfloridagarden4191]

Has always been my favorite English family home. It just gets better with age. Thank you for the tour.

[@casssmith2610]

Earl Spencer, I’ve always been impressed by how you carry yourself and how you are so passionate about preserving your amazing heritage. Thank you.

[@gihanzohdy3284]

Thank you for allowing us in this marvel of good taste.

[@mts339]

It’s quite a treat to be permitted to view Earl Spencer’s home. I recommend reading the Earl’s books on various aspects of British and Spencer history.

[@ingridllinas5612]

A nice visit to a place that despite the years still have the spirit of pertinence. Beautiful ceilings, pieces of furniture, Van Dyck’s painting and many more. As he said it is important to add his own taste and hang the portraits of the actual members of the family next to their ancestors. He is proud to his ancestors and heritage which is important in sense of values. You know.

[@loriniabaluyut4113]

How wonderful of you Sepencer

[@erpollock]

I would not be surprised if Prince William, the Prince of Wales, took the time to visit his uncle, Earl Spencer, to find out more about his mother before she married. He has no reason not to be cordial to Diana's brother. And the home is magnificent. It was good of Earl Spencer to allow the public to see this extraordinary edifice, filled with genuine artwork and decor.

[@kramnancy1411]

Prince William and Harry Invited this gentleman Diana's brother to both of their weddings he was also at the Queen's funeral as well he is a big part of their family Diana's grandmother Good friends with the Queen mother and The 2 elderly women arrange the date for Diana and Charles. The spencers were well acquainted with the Royal family long before Diana and Charles ever got married.

[@tracyMcC]

@@kramnancy1411 And the Queen was the Earl's godmother.

[@jenniferfirer2837]

Right. And reportedly when Diana, recently divorced, asked her brother if she could stay there for a bit, he said no.

[@penelopehammerton2907]

A lovely knowledgeable tour by Earl Spencer of his home. Thank you.

[@emmay2586]

Beautifully presented! Earl Spencer

[@susanyates4233]

Stunning, thank you Sir for allowing this video. and for your interesting talk.

[@judylane8901]

Love this so much! Thank you for sharing….loved Princess Diana and her brother. Such a huge part of British history!!!

[@totallydomestic433]

There was no mention of Diana, but i just imagined her growing up there in such a beautiful home.

[@abbatrouble]

She didn't grow up there. Her father inherited it when his father died and she was 14 years old by this time and she left at 17 years of age. She spent less than 36 months there.

[@tariqmahmood6497]

Really enjoyed watching this, I always get the sense the Spencers are humble of there wealth, love to have seen the late lady Diana's room in Althorpe, thankyou for sharing 👍👍

[@achord9204]

Beautiful thank you for allowing us a peek

[@brittney5903]

Glorious. 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Can’t wait to visit there some day. 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺.

[@timothyj1966]

Fortunate to have visited while the Diana Exhibit was still in the Stables. This is a beautiful example of an English Country House- not stuffy, just well appointed, Graceful. Just right. All - in a beautiful country Setting with sheep, and tall grass and Old Trees. Glad to see Earl Spencer is taking care of it's History so well. I am glad too, for Diana has a quiet, peaceful resting place at the Oval Island.

[@yveeliza]

Diana is not buried there.

[@jasmin0930]

Amazing house and the history. The Earl did a wonderful job in explaining and has kept the house in tip top condition it seems.

[@thomasmccabe6690]

Beautiful home, gracious host.

[@googlebeaglie]

So enjoyable. Thank you!

[@kevinchambers1101]

It's truly a beautiful house.

[@claireangier3322]

I loved this ... really interesting. Would love to visit again. 🙏

[@elenabarantcheeva1971]

Did I understand right, 600 painting in the library and 25 of them are collected by current earl? Incredible! That means 1000s in the building. Interesting, do they have tours in this nice museum with so much history? Thank you for the tour.

[@paulgerrard9227]

That chippendale table is probably worth half a million pounds. The "collection" value would be interesting to know. Art, furniture, silverware etc.

[@mmechatelainechronicles5605]

What a wonderful tour of a grand and beautiful house. Loved every moment of it. What a treat for all senses. Also it has given me lots of inspiration while starting to renovating my French Château. So grateful this channel showed up in my suggestions. Thank you so much. Greetings from France

[@havingalook2]

Lovely visit. Thank you.

[@sharonwalker2620]

This was wonderful to watch, beautiful home and a lovely man😊

[@Miriam60589]

Thank you so much for inviting US into your home!!!🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@cockneydoll]

We visited Althrop House in 76 when visirig family in Northampton]. We spoke with the Earl and Countess Spencer served us in the gift shop. My husband fell in love with, and purchased, a Dresden Admiral

[@donnaallgaier-lamberti3933]

The beauty of these homes boggle my mind. I find it hard to imagine the amount of money/income it took to make all of this happen - certainly built to impress! I am fascinated with these old family homes and this one due to being the family home of Lady Diana. I have never seen the inside of this one before and I am certainly impressed.

[@tootsla1252]

I just love how British tabloid press delighted in labeling Diana a “commoner.” If she was “Common,” I’m Cleopatra.

[@Joshiya949]

🤣🤣

[@peanutbutterbruv]

In the context of British Royalty, 'commoner' just means somebody without Royal rank.

[@inkland2003]

I am glad to see that the great tradition has been preserved in this way.

[@lorienelson8343]

Beautiful home and family to keep its history alive by allowing to see it. Thank you.

[@mimibaird4099]

Beautiful description by Lord Spencer. Thank you.

[@user-gv9dh6pt8x]

So completely beautiful.

[@mikehammersley177]

I adore your KZbin productions….and Ashley Hicks is wonderful

[@karleinegraham446]

Interesting that the Long Room (at 5 mins) was originally for the family to exercise inside due to the fickle British weather. For fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, we can now better understand Mr. Bingley's sister inviting Elizabeth Bennet to take a turn (walk) around the room. Mr. Darcy thought it was a ploy some ladies use so that gentlemen could better admire their figure.

[@kathyfarrell7283]

Wonderful presentation. Would love to know more about history of house. Perhaps Earl Spenser will write a book with pictures.

[@soprano1953]

Thank you for an interesting talk , I must visit again ,I loved the story behind the Hall Chairs.

[@motogp2008champion]

Five hundred years of British history! The family is more British than Queen Elizabeth herself.

[@thraciangrapes]

That is true. The Spencer Family are more British than the Royal Family are, because they are largely of British blood. They are also very Royal. They share Royal ancestry, and also the Spencers have been closely serving the Royal Family for hundreds of years.

[@ageofechochambers9469]

LoL they are Norman French and before that probably danish or Norwegian. There hasn't been a english monarch on the english throne for over 1000 years .

[@marysmyth8288]

Myself was very fortunate in 2012 to visit my cousin in London, He is a retired Grenadier Officer, my daughter was with me And one Sunday Cousin surprised us by taking us to visit Althorp house And in the bookstore we were so happy to actually meet Earl Spencer Who happily signed my book of the Spencer Home. It was such a privilege to also visit the grounds and to actually view The Island where HRH Diana Spencer is laid to rest . Yes I cannot but feel so humbled to meet this very down to Earth Man , part of me hopes that HRH Prince Harry is still welcomed respected not least for his Army Career , also a beloved son Of his Mother .Diana R.I.P. Mary Canada 🇨🇦

[@stevebbuk]

@@ageofechochambers9469 But William V will be half-Spencer I assume.

[@sadabtajuddin4752]

Spencers are the quintessential english family

[@lynnstash2247]

Earl Spencer, thank you so much for sharing your pictures of your beautiful Home {Althorp}. Blessing & God Bless, from the USA.

[@aliceduncan8057]

Thanks Earl, you make a wonderful guide.

[@liseouellet9705]

Very beautiful home .and the very charming owner . Thank you .

[@maami9894]

Great family and country history. When I look at the earls face, I mean, how much does our future king George look like a descendant of the Spencer family ☺

[@yourmother2739]

Hopefully royalty will end.

[@janetdaniel9661]

What a wonderful tour, many thanks Earl Spencer for showing us your beautiful home.

[@Mkalikapisa-ui7by]

Luscious!

[@SuperMarkizas]

Gorgeous library, such a calm looking room.

[@englishrose1957]

I love England so much. Having lived there in my teens I am infected with all these beautiful homes. There is nothing like England🇬🇧🇬🇧❤️❤️❤️

[@k1nkstar448]

Where do you live now?

[@englishrose1957]

@@k1nkstar448 Germany

[@marillynthomas3294]

Wonderful ..love houses like this..amazing to manage the upkeep of such a beautiful home, visited Princess Diana’s resting place years ago and saw the more every day rooms of the house…love it

[@patriciaoreilly8907]

I love his passion & appreciation of the house history, I will definitely visit next year.

[@inamoore4536]

He did a fantastic job keeping up Althorp.

[@miaash3870]

This stately "house" looks like a splendid museum, which ought to be made open to the public. It will generate lots of dosh for the Earl!

[@alexandraakutwi4444]

It does July to August

[@nathaliedufour3891]

Magnificent and very emotional 😢 👑 💖

[@user-ql5yb2hs2p]

Because he deserves the credit, I have to agree he is a wonderful person and works very hard to keep the estate going. I had the privilege to have a small lunch with him years ago at Althorp. Very hospitable and easy to be with.

[@ceciliaarayaparra6242]

He visto cientos de videos de gente de la.realeza y de familias nobles,pero este noble caballero Spenser,siempre en cada entrevista que lo veo es muy cordial ,amable y murstra su hermosisimo y suntuoso hogar sin mayor repara.Aunque su familia sea noble es tiene un corazon humilde.(la mayor de las riquesaz).Encantador video. Les saludo desde Santiago de Chile.

[@alisonpickard5280]

Hello Charles & Karen - I just keyed in history once again on Youttube and up popped Spencer 1508! Where I have been - under a rock? I didn't know about this series about Althorp at all! Thank you for producing this wonderful series about Althorp both historical and contemporary. I am truly enjoying this information! The first video that popped up was "A House and a Host": Althorp with Earl Spencer. And thank you for clearing up the pronunciation of Althorp. That has been bugging me for years!!

[@lynneuribeross2695]

The History of the family is so amazing!! Love this home!!!

[@MrBurtonshaw]

Fabulous house and it is wonderful to see just how much Charles understands his "stately" home.

[@b.walker5955]

The one house I could never visit...as I would never leave. The history and priceless historical treasures abound.

[@twistoffate4791]

Same. They'd have to kick me out because I get mesmerized by paintings of people and I would dwell too long on each.

[@b.walker5955]

@@twistoffate4791 Blenheim Palace is the other. I would actually pay to be a house keeper. Getting to touch the light fixtures and shutter latches and dust the books, and the painting frames. Oh my! (I don't dust my own, but I would Winstons for sure).

[@twistoffate4791]

@@b.walker5955 I'm an American, so I must look this up, as I do not want to miss out on anything beautiful, wonderful & historical. Thank you, my friend. Footnote: I just finished the piece on Blenheim on Real Royalty. Outstanding.

[@b.walker5955]

@@twistoffate4791 Oh yippee! I am also an American! Who loves and admires all the places I hope to one day visit. Perhaps I will see you there too? Maybe high tea at Highclere castle or Chatsworth House? One more for you while I have your attention...Goodwood House. All are open to public visits. You and I are going to have to figure out how to visit, and how not to leave. You know, like hotel California? 🤣

[@twistoffate4791]

@@b.walker5955 OK, Goodwood House I will investigate as well. We'll meet for high tea one day and discuss it all!!

[@angela-bb9ud]

Thank you Sir, for sharing your home!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you so much for sharing a beautiful!!!!

[@LMays-cu2hp]

Thank you. Yes, a beautiful home!!!!

[@ladyellensings3666]

That was wonderful! I look forward to visiting one day!

[@millymay0025]

Wonderful, more please!

[@KatherineScrivensEje]

Very enjoyable. Earl Spenser has a true love for his home and is also very knowledgeable about it.

[@ChrisLovesThisGame]

What a treat!

[@twistoffate4791]

My reaction exactly!! I am going to watch this several times.

[@dixiecyrus8136]

Very beautiful, thank you.❤️

[@MegaToti26]

It is always such a pleasure to listen to Mr Spencer ❤❤❤

[@debrabonavisa1366]

Beautiful and historic home.

[@michelefritze3988]

Beautifully explained by Earl Spenser

[@Leviticus01]

My god, the cadence of Earl's speech is so identifiable.

[@arlenebrown4946]

Beautiful