MANY walk through Holland Park in London without realising its great political importance, for it is there that once stood here a great Jacobean house owned and restored by the third Lord Holland and his wife Lady Elizabeth Holland, who had dared to defy convention by going through a divorce to marry him.

Lord Henry Holland, who was the nephew of Charles James Fox, the leader of the opposition Whig party, supported his uncle’s liberal views and played a major part in bringing about the abolition of slavery and the emancipation of Catholics.

The couple travelled widely even at times of revolution and war and it was this that gave them the appreciation for new ideas and lively conversation which made Holland House the major salon of politics and arts of the day.

Lady Holland became known for her lavish parties and sometimes had as many as 50 guests at the table. Holland House was the place to whom all people of importance wanted to be. In this wonderful account of a momentous period in history, great historical events being wrapped around the leading figures of the day, we see Byron and Carolyn Lamb playing out their tempestuous love-affair; we meet Sheridan, Dickens, Talleyrand and Madame de Stael as well as Lord Liverpool, George Canning and Lord Melbourne to name just a few.

Author Linda Kelly condenses a period of great change into the observances of two unforgettable celebrities of their day. It is a fascinating and readable account that brings history to life. Truly, a magnificent achievement.