This will be the Presentation that was scheduled for 2020 and had, unfortunately, to be cancelled because of Lockdown we appreciate John coming back to do the presentation for us.
‘A Prelude to War’ (An Archduke’s Visit)
This presentation, in part, explores the surprising visit made by Archduke Franz Ferdinand and his wife Sophie to Welbeck Abbey, Bolsover Castle, Chatsworth and other locations in November 1913 and recalls how an accident which occurred at a shooting party may have saved millions of lives had there been a different outcome. I look at their morganatic marriage, how the tragic assassination in Sarajevo changed the face of the world and the devastating consequences for their children and the Hapsburg dynasty. I also consider the impact on local communities and on the Duke of Portland’s estates during the carnage of the First World War and individual acts of heroism and sacrifice. Prior to being sent to the front local conscripts were allowed by the Duke of Portland to have rifle practise in the long gallery at Bolsover castle…the bullet holes are still there to be seen.
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