THE story of a prominent Cotswold mansion and its influential owners has been researched and recorded in a new book.

It concerns Northwick Park, a 2,000-acre estate near Blockley that was home to Sir James Rushout, Member of Parliament for Evesham from 1661, and his descendants, Lord and Lady Northwick and most recently the Spencer-Churchills.

Curiosity drove the author Richard Bertocci to research the fascinating history of the property and its owners from the time the land was acquired by the Bishop of Worcester in the year 855.

He explores the Rushouts’ political and trading activities, including their association with Harrow and involvement in the introduction of silk-throwing in Blockley, as well as the more recent commercial and philanthropic roles of their successors.

Mr Bertocci, a New York-based lawyer, said: “For years my habit has been to acquire interesting and attractive things about which I know nothing and to spend years trying to figure out what they are.”

It may have been only a matter of time before business visits to the UK led him to find a home in the Cotswolds at Northwick Park. He acquired one of about 60 private residences into which the Northwick mansion and outbuildings had been transformed and then spent 15 years trying to figure out what he had bought.

The book is beautifully illustrated in hard back format. Copies are available at Blockley Village Shop and Café or may be ordered at blockley-heritage-soc.co.uk.