Lady Antonia Fraser reveals secrets of her historic 19th-century home

In west London, Lady Antonia Fraser, a notable author and historian, has resided in her 19th-century home in Campden Hill Square since 1959. Despite her extensive knowledge as a historian, Fraser confesses to knowing little about the historical background of her residence. The decades-long stay in this house has seen her raise six children while also establishing a workspace for her writing endeavors. She dedicated the top-floor nursery, which was once a children’s play area, to become her study where she produced her most recognized history books. Fraser suspects the house's origins might be related to its previous role as a school, yet she lacks concrete details about its former inhabitants or the reasons behind its original purpose. This uncertainty about her home's past contrasts with her expertise in uncovering history through her published works. At the age of 92, Lady Antonia has a deep familiarity with the physical aspects of her home—the sound of its creaking stairs, the touch of its weathered doors, and the sight of its dusty window ledges. These idiosyncrasies reflect the long-standing relationship she has developed with the house, where each corner has its own story tied to her life and family. However, this personal history does not extend to the broader narrative of the house's significance in the larger context of history. Fraser's life in the home intertwines with significant events, such as her experiences residing with notable figures, including the dramatist Sir Harold Pinter, who was her partner. The house serves not only as a venue for raising children but also as a creative space, a testament to the dynamic life she has led within its walls. The contrast between her professional insights and personal knowledge encapsulates a curious dissonance between observing history as a scholar and living it as a homeowner.