It is almost impossible to believe that a 16th century palace, the size of a Cambridge college, where English monarchs had been guests no fewer than 13 times, should have been left to rot. But such is the true story of Apethorpe Palace, deserted and vandalised as the 20th century drew to a close. Despite its royal pedigree, having been inherited by Queen Elizabeth I from her father Henry VIII, and a favoured hunting destination of James I and Charles I, the sheer size of Apethorpe almost predetermined its destiny of neglect. That is, until English Heritage and a sympathetic architect who purchased the property became a partnership made in heaven for the restoration of this building of major historic importance. Grab a cup of tea and settle back to learn of the resurgence of this Palace from BADA Friends lecturer Nicholas Merchant in another of his Tea Time Talks.