Iconic British glossy magazine Country Life was first published on 8 January 1897 as Country Life Illustrated. A ‘journal for all interested in country life and country pursuits,’ it was the brainchild of London printer Edward Hudson (1854-1936).

Edward Hudson had earlier introduced new printing technology from Germany to his family’s printing firm, which enabled the mass publication of high quality periodicals featuring photographs. Following a drive in the countryside with his sick brother, Hudson was struck with the idea to create Country Life, a venture he entered into with popular journalism magnate George Newnes (1851-1910).

With Hudson running the printing side, and Newnes running the editorial side, the two struck a winning formula, showcasing the personalities and places that make up the British countryside. The frontispiece of the magazine famously became home to the so-called ‘Girls in Pearls,’ although this remit was expanded from time to time to feature the likes of Britain’s first woman M.P. Nancy Astor and celebrated author Daphne du Maurier.

Country Life is also famed for its advertisements for country houses and estates. Indeed, the very first edition of Country Life advertised magnificent stately home Stowe House, whilst the magazine went on to advertise the likes of Stonehenge and Chartwell, later the home of Winston Churchill.

As well as chronicling the changing face of the British countryside, Country Life is known for its connection to the royal family. In recent years, it has been guest-edited by King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne. It remains extremely popular to this day, and is published by Future plc.