The Aristocracy

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Documentary series charting the changing fortunes of Britain's titled classes over the past 120 years, drawing on archive material and memories of individual aristocrats.


The Aristocracy Born to Rule - 1875-1914

In the late 19th century, the aristocracy was the ruling class, owning 80 per cent of the land and dominating Parliament. Some of today's aristocrats recall the extravagant times their ancestors enjoyed in this period.

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Never the Same Again - 1919-1945

This programme chronicles the period beginning after the First World War when the upper classes began to lose their hold on political power.

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Letting in the Hoi Polloi - 1945-1979

No longer in power and short on cash, the aristocracy opens up its houses to the public and starts socialising with models and actresses, photographers and hairdressers.

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Survival of the Fittest - 1970 - 1997

Aristocrats have become key players in the tourism and heritage industries - but some failed to cash in on the leisure boom.

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Revised: 09-09-2005 (dd/mm/yr)