Sir David Attenborough – narrator of Blue Planet and Britain’s best-loved naturalist – was in Strawberry Hill House & Garden recently to celebrate Horace ‘Horatio’ Walpole’s 300th birthday.

Sir David narrated letters penned by Walpole – the eccentric 4th Earl of Orford who had the Gothic mansion designed – widely accepted as one of the finest series in the English language.

They provide an unrivalled and intimate view of the English eighteenth century by a man whose wide interests included literature, politics, world affairs, collecting, antiquities, and architecture.

Walpole had numerous correspondents who he wrote to in language that is celebrated for its charm, quality, and wit.

Stephen Clarke, editor of Horace Walpole’s Selected Letters and Strawberry Hill trustee, said: “Sir David Attenborough’s reading of Horace Walpole’s Selected Letters, was a truly magical experience.

“We were honoured to hear Attenborough’s warm, familiar voice, capturing the style and wit of the letters that I had first been captivated by when reading them at University.”

The event, on December 7, was narrated by Millie Beazley, Richmond Festival’s Young Speech & Drama Performer of the Year 2017.

Richmond and Twickenham Times:

Millie attends local Twickenham school, Orleans Park, where the new Sixth Form block has been named The Attenborough Building and was recently opened by Sir Attenborough.