Victorian Tea at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum on November 2

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will host its annual Victorian Tea on November 9^th at 2 p.m. The event chaired by LMMM Trustee Marianne Howatson will feature a talk by Carol Wallace co-author of the highly acclaimed book To Marry an English Lord.

"This iconic mansion is the ideal venue for a formal tea and a talk that will entertain and delight guests of all ages,” said LMMM Trustee and event chair Marianne Howatson. “This event will offer a memorable experience to families and friends who wish to spend a lavishly pampered, exquisite afternoon together, while supporting a National Historic Landmark.”  

When Julian Fellowes was approached to create the now world-acclaimed TV series Downton Abbey, he was reading Gail MacColl and Carol McD. Wallace’sbook, which he called “a marvelous and entertaining study of the American girls who came over to England, mostly between 1890 and 1914, to marry into the British aristocracy.” To Marry an English Lord, which was first published in 1989 and has been reissued for Downton Abbey fans, explores both the glamour and the misfortune that greeted some 100+ newly minted American heiresses who, having been snubbed by the Social Register, invaded Great Britain to swap dollars for titles.

Carol Wallace has collected photographs and anecdotes into a lively and gossipy talk and PowerPoint presentation, which will be given during the Mansion’s annual event. The talk will be accompanied by a traditional tea and feature a wide selection of desserts, sandwiches, scones and cream, and more. 

The event is generously sponsored by Cottages & Gardens Publications, AT&T, Aitoro Appliances, King Industries, Bankwell and Bigelow Tea. The Museum’s 2014 cultural and educational programs are made possible in part by generous funding from LMMM’s Founding Patrons, the Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown; The Museum’s Distinguished Benefactors, Klaff’s, The Xerox Foundation, and The Maurice Goodman Foundation;  LMMM Sustainers: Spinnaker Real Estate Partners.   

Tickets for the Tea are $35 for members and $45 for non-members.  Proceeds will go to support the Museum and its artistic, cultural and educational programs.  For Victorian Tea reservations please contact: info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com or 203-838-9799 ext. 4. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.

Tours are offered Wednesdays through Sundays, at Noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and $6 for children. Children under 8 are admitted free. For more information, visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.