This study is a history of the British aristocracy as it unfolded during the last century. The author recounts the process by which the notable and nobles lost their wealth, power and prestige, political assault mounted by Lloyd George, the terrible human cost extracted by the World War I, the breakup of great, landed estates in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland, and the erosion of the traditional system of titles and honours. The author shows how the aristocracy tried to cope with the tide of events that led to their decline. They made careers for themselves as shareholders or heiress-hunters, novelists or Kenyan adventurers, ornamental directors or successful businessmen. They fought valiantly (and vainly) to protect the House of Lords, the Church of England, the agricultural economy and the union with Ireland, all of which is detailed in this book.