Watergate: The Scandal That Toppled a President
The Watergate buildings in Washington DC were the site of the biggest political scandal of the 20th century. In 1972, a group of men burgled the Democratic Party headquarters there in an attempt to help Republican president Richard Nixon get re-elected. Secret tapes later proved Nixon knew about the break-in and tried to cover it up, forcing him to resign in 1974.
Cliveden House: The Profumo Affair
Cliveden House in Buckinghamshire, a country estate once home to generations of nobility, is best known for its links to the Profumo Affair. In 1961, war secretary John Profumo met 19-year-old model Christine Keeler at a party by the mansion's pool. Their steamy liaison was exposed two years later, forcing the married Tory to resign.
Chappaquiddick: Ted Kennedy's Tragic Bridge
Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts became infamous in 1969 when Ted Kennedy drove off a bridge into a pond, killing Democratic campaign worker Mary Jo Kopechne. He fled without reporting the accident and later pleaded guilty to driving offences, ending his presidential ambitions.
Woking Pizza Express: Prince Andrew's Alibi
Woking's Pizza Express gained notoriety in 2019 after Prince Andrew cited it as his alibi in a BBC Newsnight interview. He claimed he was there before heading home on the night he was accused of having sex with then-teenager Virginia Giuffre, allegations he strongly denies.
Dolphin Square: A Notorious Address
Dolphin Square in Pimlico, London, is a block of red brick flats that has housed hundreds of MPs and Lords, along with a string of scandals. Fascist leader Oswald Mosley was arrested there in 1940, and James Bond author Ian Fleming was recruited to the secret service from nearby.
Chateau Marmont: Hollywood's Tragic Hotel
The Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles is famed for Hollywood intrigue and tragedy. Comedian John Belushi died there in 1982 from a heroin and cocaine overdose. In 2004, fashion photographer Helmut Newton died after a car accident leaving the parking lot. Lindsay Lohan was reportedly banned in 2012 for a $46,000 bar tab.
Palace of Versailles: Marie Antoinette's Extravagance
The Palace of Versailles in France was the residence of 18th-century queen Marie Antoinette, known for partying and extravagant spending while her subjects suffered. The myth that she said "let them eat cake" persists, though it is untrue. After the French Revolution, she was executed in Paris.
