Written and introduced by Roy Strong

The great country houses of England are finally on the rocks. Their struggle for survival in an alien century was cushioned during the 60s by a booming stock market. But now, with Wealth Tax threatening estate incomes, heating bills and building costs soaring, and the National Trust virtually powerless to help, hundreds of these uniquely English creations may well be coming to the end of the road. But do we care? Can we help?
Roy Strong, director of the Victoria and Albert Museum , believes passionately that we can, and must, act now if European Architectural Heritage Year, 1975, is not to be the most disastrous year ever for our heritage.
In this film we look beyond the splendid facades to the bewildering problems of life in a stately home, and to the grim outlook for their future.