The rise and fall of the keeper’s empire
All-powerful at the height of the Edwardian era, the gamekeeper’s influence has faded and David Whitby wonders what the future holds
In 1961, President Charles de Gaulle made a visit to the then British Prime Minister, Harold Macmillan, or Supermac as he was affectionately known.
It might be said that the French president led something of a remarkable life, surviving 30 assassination attempts. The leaders met at Birch Grove, Macmillan’s rather fine shooting estate in West Sussex, and de Gaulle had an army of protection and security in tow.
The two premiers were deep in discussion in the Prime Minister’s office — no doubt our membership of the European Common Market was high on the agenda, something de Gaulle
