Book Review: Dynasties: The Noble Families of England by Patrick Coleman

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

With origins in the powerful earldoms of the Saxon period, the aristocracy is woven into the fabric of England. Going from Tudor and Stuart courtiers to Georgian and Victorian magnates, the noble families more recently suffered a decline before their rise from the ashes as guardians of heritage

Patrick Coleman focuses on the stories and myths behind the families who shaped English history from the medieval period to modern times, so the book is more like a collection of historical narratives than a reference guide.

The author admits in his introduction that his selection of families and stories is subjective, but I found the chapters on some of the less well-known families interesting. The book also examines how the fortunes of these ‘Dynasties’ related to events in British history. 

There is also some discussion of how their estates still shape popular ideas of British aristocracy, from Longleat Safari Park to TV dramas like Downton Abbey.

Dynasties: The Noble Families of England is an informative introduction to the world of the English aristocracy for anyone interested in the powerful families who helped shape the country’s past.

Tony Riches

I would like to thank the publishers, Amberley, for providing a review copy.