Talleyrand in London, The Master Diplomat's Last Mission.
The arrival of Charles-Maurice, Prince de Talleyrand-Perigord, as French ambassador in London in September 1830, was regarded as a great event by the British government. Two months earlier the July Revolution in Paris, overthrowing the reactionary rule of Charles X, had brought the liberal Louis-Philippe to the throne. Talleyrand, the best-known diplomat in Europe, had emerged from retirement at the age of 76 to lend his support to the new monarchy and to confirm its acceptance by the other European powers.
Few people aroused more controversy than Talleyrand. A former bishop whose love affairs were notorious, and a turncoat who had abandoned every master he had served.
Talleyrand's four years in London were the last and, in his own opinion, the most important of his diplomatic career. Linda Kelly's sparkling narrative brings the period to life, providing a fascinating picture of one of Europe's greatest statesmen as he appeared to English eyes.
- Hardback
- 171 pages
A sumptuous state bed once owned by Talleyrand is currently on display in our exhibition Unseen Treasures. The bed was purchased by the 6th Duke of Portland in 1900 and recently restored by Fiona Wemyss and a team of 20 specialist craftspeople, over a two-year period. Learn more about the history and restoration of what we refer to as the Talleyrand Bed.
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