The First Duke and Duchess of Newcastle-upon-Tyne

A vivid portrait of a 17th‑century power couple unfolds through a carefully chosen collage of letters, journals, and contemporary prints. The author invites the listener to settle into an imagined study, where each document—whether a ducal decree on horsemanship or a tender missive from Margaret—illuminates the personalities behind the titles. Illustrated throughout with original engravings by artists such as Diepenbeck and Van Dyck, the book brings the Duke’s castles and the Duchess’s literary pursuits to life.

The narrative stays firmly in the early years, tracing the couple’s rise, their shared love of the arts, and the social circles that shaped their reputation. Commentary is offered sparingly, allowing listeners to glide past scholarly asides if they wish. By the end of the first act, the portrait feels both intimate and scholarly, giving a clear sense of why their story captivated contemporaries and still invites curiosity today.