Fonthill is traditionally associated with the eccentric writer and collector William Beckford who built his Abbey at the end of the 18th century. The collapse of the tower in 1825 transformed the name Fonthill Abbey into a symbol for over-arching ambition and folly, a sublime ruin. Fonthill is, however, much more than the story of one man’s excesses.

Dr Caroline Dakers will take viewers on a tour of all the Fonthills and also look at some of the men who equal and even surpass Beckford in terms of their wealth, their collections, their political power and, in one case, their sexual misdemeanours.

Dr Caroline Dakers is Professor Emerita, University of Arts London

Location
Zoom webinar: The link is sent to ticket-holders on the day of the event, before 7pm.
There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end of the talk.

Tickets and booking
Cost: £10 per screen. All proceeds to the Victoria County History Wiltshire Trust, who have organised this lecture.
Booking: essential via ONLINE link below.

Date and Time
Wednesday 17 May 2023, 7.30pm

Terms and Conditions
Unless sold out, bookings will close at 5 pm on the day of the event.
Booking for events
Cancellations, Refunds and T&Cs