Crown Papers

Summary

The dramatic sequel to Crown House

It's 1933 and we are back at Crown House where the Minster family are gathering to enjoy the Easter holiday. However, Crown House isn't the idyll it first appears, and a brutal murder disrupts the genial gathering. There's a secret that's been buried for years and the Honourable Mrs Jenny Gaunt is determined to uncover the truth but is she prepared to lose everything she holds dear in the process? Meanwhile, Lady Caroline, who has recently begun a new relationship, is ready to face the consequences of her past actions. Still close with the House of Windsor, Lord and Lady Minster and their family must embark on a new decade, one of change and upheaval.

Set across the backdrop of the 1930s and encompassing everything from the silver jubilee of George V to the rise in popularity of Oswald Mosley, this compelling and dramatic sequel builds on the Crown House story. Tradition and continuities are brought into conflict with a changing world as the Minsters must find their place between a bygone era and a fast-paced future. Follow the highs and lows of the Minster family through changing times, scandal, and tragedy, where past and present collide in this thoughtful and compelling drama of a family like no other.

Based on the popular Crown House novels by Peter Ling, this six-part drama is written by Juliet Ace (The Archers, Young Victoria) and Peter Ling (The Avengers, Doctor Who). Dinah Sheridan, best know for her roles in Genevieve and The Railway Children, reprises her role as Lady Minster and Geoffrey Whitehead stars as Lord Minster.

©2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd

Cast and credits

Written by Juliet Ace and Peter Ling

Directed by Tracey Neale

Lady Minster - Dinah Sheridan

William, Lord Minster - Geoffrey Whitehead

Beatrice, Dowager Countess - Margaret Rawungs

Richard, Viscount Ebony - Michael Cochrane

Polly, Viscountess Ebony - Melinda Walker

The Hon Nicholas Gaunt - Mark Straker

The Hon Mrs Jenny Gaunt - Helena Breck

Lady Caroline Gaunt - Deborah Makepeace

The Hon Martin Gaunt - Richard Pearce

Sir Charles Bowyer - Brett Usher

Lady Gina Bowyer - Shelley Thompson

Scott Hanson - Colin McFarlane

Speaker in meeting - Alan Barker

Paul Weyman - Philip Sully

Muriel Beasley - Joanna Myers

American Matron - Jan Whittenshaw

American Nurse - Adjoa Andoh

Mr Darrell - Nigel Carrington

Lady Cloudesley/A stranger - Susan Sheridan

First Broadcast BBC Radio 4, September 1991