The book unfolds the story of Southgate House and it inhabitants from the mid-18th century until today. Located near Clowne, Derbyshire, it is a perfect example of a Georgian country house. For most of its history, it belonged to the well-known Butler-Bowdon family, serving as their main seat for about 150 years. Southgate House provides a microcosm of the social history of England over several centuries.