The history of the magnificent Hôtel de Charost, the British Ambassador’s residence in Paris, was described in a talk by Tim Knox.  It has witnessed the turning tides of European history, having been owned by Napoleon Bonaparte’s notorious sister and then by the Duke of Wellington after his triumph over the Emperor.  Mr. and Mrs. Robert Brudenell kindly let us hold the talk at Deene Park and the evening started with Charlotte Brudenell giving us a brief introduction to the history of the house.