A Silver-plated Spoon tells the story of Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire, the scandals and eccentricities of its former owners, and how John, the ‘Showman Duke’ kept the estate in the family by turning it into a business enterprise. When John Russell (1917 – 2002) became the 13th Duke of Bedford in 1953, the family estate was faced with massive death duties. However, instead of handing the house and lands over to the National Trust, he opened Woburn Abbey to the public in 1955. It soon gained in popularity, and other amusements were added, including Woburn Safari Park on the grounds of the Abbey in 1970. Published by Reprint Society/World Books in 1959 Book is in good condition. Binding intact. Dust jacket has a dried damp stain and is torn at edges.