Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

"William Tallon was a creature of extremes: though intensely loyal, he was also a dangerous risk-taker; though charming, he could also be vicious; though considerate and amusing, he could be ruthless and predatory. For much of his life he was driven by two demons: a powerful sex drive and an intense, almost pathological love for the Queen Mother…"


From humble beginnings as a shopkeeper's son in Coventry to 'Page of the Backstairs' at Clarence House, William Tallon, or 'Backstairs Billy' as he came to be known, entered royal service at the age of fifteen. Over the next fifty years, he became one of the most notorious and flamboyant characters ever to have graced the royal household - the one servant the Queen Mother just could not do without. While others came and went, he remained by her side, becoming one of her most trusted friends and confidants.


The fascinating life story of the man who spent more than half a century working for one of the world's most elusive institutions, Backstairs Billy provides a rare glimpse of what the royals really get up to behind closed doors…

1121490914
Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

"William Tallon was a creature of extremes: though intensely loyal, he was also a dangerous risk-taker; though charming, he could also be vicious; though considerate and amusing, he could be ruthless and predatory. For much of his life he was driven by two demons: a powerful sex drive and an intense, almost pathological love for the Queen Mother…"


From humble beginnings as a shopkeeper's son in Coventry to 'Page of the Backstairs' at Clarence House, William Tallon, or 'Backstairs Billy' as he came to be known, entered royal service at the age of fifteen. Over the next fifty years, he became one of the most notorious and flamboyant characters ever to have graced the royal household - the one servant the Queen Mother just could not do without. While others came and went, he remained by her side, becoming one of her most trusted friends and confidants.


The fascinating life story of the man who spent more than half a century working for one of the world's most elusive institutions, Backstairs Billy provides a rare glimpse of what the royals really get up to behind closed doors…

7.49 In Stock
Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

by Tom Quinn
Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

Backstairs Billy: The Life of William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Devoted Servant

by Tom Quinn

eBook
(
)

$7.49 

Available on Compatible NOOK devices, the free NOOK App and in My Digital Library.
WANT A NOOK?  Explore Now

Related collections and offers

LEND ME® See Details

Overview

"William Tallon was a creature of extremes: though intensely loyal, he was also a dangerous risk-taker; though charming, he could also be vicious; though considerate and amusing, he could be ruthless and predatory. For much of his life he was driven by two demons: a powerful sex drive and an intense, almost pathological love for the Queen Mother…"


From humble beginnings as a shopkeeper's son in Coventry to 'Page of the Backstairs' at Clarence House, William Tallon, or 'Backstairs Billy' as he came to be known, entered royal service at the age of fifteen. Over the next fifty years, he became one of the most notorious and flamboyant characters ever to have graced the royal household - the one servant the Queen Mother just could not do without. While others came and went, he remained by her side, becoming one of her most trusted friends and confidants.


The fascinating life story of the man who spent more than half a century working for one of the world's most elusive institutions, Backstairs Billy provides a rare glimpse of what the royals really get up to behind closed doors…


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781849548939
Publisher: The Robson Press
Publication date: 03/17/2015
Sold by: Bookwire
Format: eBook
Pages: 272
File size: 521 KB
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Tom Quinn is the bestselling author of Backstairs Billy: William Tallon, the Queen Mother's Most Trusted Servant, London’s Strangest Tales, Cocoa at Midnight: The Real Life Story of My Time as a Housekeeper, The Cook’s Tale: Life Below Stairs as it Really Was and many more titles.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Chapter 1 Joining the royals 1

Chapter 2 Working for the firm 9

Chapter 3 Northern lights 15

Chapter 4 Glamorous worlds 33

Chapter 5 Below stairs 43

Chapter 6 The shy King 57

Chapter 7 A boy at the palace 77

Chapter 8 Life partners 93

Chapter 9 An outsider on the inside 99

Chapter 10 Feuds and factions 123

Chapter 11 Wine and roses 139

Chapter 12 On the prowl 163

Chapter 13 A dangerous character 173

Chapter 14 Sudden enthusiasms 183

Chapter 15 Change and decay 199

Chapter 16 Twilight 231

Chapter 17 Farewell 247

Acknowledgements 259

From the B&N Reads Blog

Customer Reviews