An action-packed six months in the life of Waddesdon Manor, presided over by one of Britain's richest people - Lord Jacob Rothschild.
Built in the style of a 16th-century French Chateau, Waddesdon Manor, Buckinghamshire's grandest house, was donated to the Trust in 1957 by Lord Rothschild's forbear. But Lord Rothschild still wields considerable influence over the day-to-day running of the house.
This episode examines the fascinating relationship between the donor living in a National Trust property and the Trust itself, a relationship which in some instances during the Trust's history has proved troublesome.
We reveal the sheer opulence of Waddesdon - scenes include the butler measuring place settings for dinner and dutifully polishing the plums. But cameras also show a time of intense upheaval at the Manor - one night in June a dramatic and tragic robbery takes place leaving the house reeling with shock and anger.
Location for lavish banquets of Europe's rich and famous, setting for Lord Rothchild's commissions of contemporary art, scene of debate about the running of the house, this is a rare exploration of the dynamic relationship between the Trust and one of the country's most influential - and opinionated - aristocrats.
