The Aristocracy - Episode Guide

From country houses across Britain and Ireland aristocrats recall the political power, wealth and socialising which their ancestors enjoyed. But in one generation the landed classes faced agricultural depression and the growth of democracy.

The twenties and thirties were the "Brideshead" years. The Lygon sisters, Lady Dorothy and Lady Sibell, recall the house parties, hunting and scandal at Madresfield Court, the inspiration for Evelyn Waugh 's famous novel. Others remember London society, debutante balls and the dazzling receptions hosted by the formidable Lady Londonderry. But the aristocracy now faced a world in which their political power was no longer guaranteed. Many had to sell off large amounts of land, and as war approached their world began to change forever. 

In 1945 the peerage had reached an all-time low, with Britain's great houses literally falling down. The fashionable solution was to open the doors to the paying public. By the 1960s the aristocracy was socialising with models and actresses, photographers and hairdressers, and talk of a meritocracy was rife.

Following the fortunes of the titled classes from the 1970s to today. Aristocrats have become key players in the tourism and heritage industries - but some failed to cash in on the leisure boom.