Rosemary Baird: Mistress of the House

Rosemary Baird, Curator at Goodwood House, Sussex will talk about how those mistresses with their occasional tables and south-facing winds take us deep into the social, economic and political narratives of pre-industrial history.

If you were pretty, posh and female in the 17th or 18th century there wasn’t much point in marrying for love.

Instead you (and your mother) kept an eye out for a man, young or old, who came with a castle attached. Once you’d been installed as chatelaine you set about making your mark on the brickwork. Out went anything your mother-in-law had been fond of (pointy Tudor windows, formal flower beds); in came anything that would give you a reputation as a girl with a good eye (Gobelin Tapestries and a faux-natural landscape).

Following the lecture there will be a wine reception where Rosemary will be signing copies of her book.

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