Episode Description: On this very special bonus episode, the Countess of Derby sits down with architectural historian Dr John Martin Robinson FSA to discuss the architecture of Knowsley Hall. In the episode, Lady Derby learns how the Stanley rebuilt their family seat after Lathom House was destroyed, and Dr Robinson explains the significant and unique architectural facets of the house, and Lady Derby reveals how she and her husband brought Knowsley back to life.About Knowsley Hall: Knowsley...

Episode Description: In this episode, the Countess of Derby meets John Phibbs, Dr David Jacques and Dr Clemency Fisher to explore the fascinating story behind how the park and gardens at Knowsley were created. They discuss Capability Brown, what he did on the estate and why he’s considered England's greatest gardener. Lady Derby also learns how the 13th Earl built the largest private zoo ever and how his work helped save animals from extinction. They also investigate the 13th Earl’s...

Episode Description: In this episode, the countess of Derby meets Geoffrey Hicks and Dr. Jennifer Davey to discuss the life of the former prime minister, the 14th Earl of Derby, and how a journey to the USA would inspire him to pass anti-slavery legislation in Britain. The team explore how the 14th Earl helped drastically reform education in Ireland and why, despite entering 10 Downing street three times, he was known as the forgotten prime minister. They also us discuss other significant...

Episode Description: In today’s episode, Lady Derby sits down Alexandra Mason and her husband Edward 19th Earl of Derby, to explore the history & association of horse racing to the Earls of Derby. In their conversation, Alexandra and Lord Derby explain which family members had more passion than others for racing and why it isn’t just the sport of kings but has always been a sport for everyone. We learn about the fascinating story behind the epsom derby, and its name was decided on the...

Episode Description: This time on the podcast, Lady Derby meets Dr. Richard Stephens and Dr. Stephen Lloyd where we spoke about our incredible Derby Collection - and the story behind the many breathtaking and fascinating works of art that comprises it. In the episode, they discuss the many masterpieces in the Derby collection, and some that were lost to time including works by Rembrandt and da Vinci. They also talk about how Knowsley Hall was effectively a life drawing academy for living...

Episode Description: This time Lady Derby is joined by historians Professor Elspeth Graham and author Dr Vanessa Wilkie to discuss the history of patronage, theatrical performance and connection between William Shakespeare and Knowsley Hall. In the episode, they explore why theatrical performance was so important for prominent families in the Elizabethan and Jacobean periods and how this led to the growth of commercial theatre. They learn about the 5th Earl who was a quintessential...

Episode Description: In the first episode of this special season about Knowsley Hall and the history of the Stanley family, Lady Derby meets Dan Snow and Dr William Shannon to discuss the history of Knowsley Hall, Lathom House and the Stanley family, from the 14th century up until the mid-17th century. In the episode, we hear how Sir Thomas Stanley placed the English crown on his stepson, Henry Tudor (Henry VII). We learn about the life of Lady Margaret Beaufort who masterminded her own...

Welcome back to Duchess - the podcast that travels to the most historic homes in the UK & Ireland to meet the custodians who lead them today. This series, the podcast will be hosted by the 19th Countess of Derby - who will embark on a fascinating journey through the history of the Stanley family and delves into the story of their ancestral seat, Knowsley Hall. In this series, Lady Derby share's with us the unique connection between Shakespeare’s and Knowsley Hall, we learn about the 14th...

The Duchess of Rutland is back to make a very special announced about the upcoming season of Duchess For season five, the podcast will be hosted by a fan favourite guest from Season 1 - the Countess of Derby - as she embarks on a fascinating and revealing journey through the history of the Stanley family and Knowsley Hall. In the season, the countess will learn the truth about Shakespeare’s patronage through Knowsley Hall, we learn about the Earl that became known as ‘the forgotten prime...

Episode Description: For our final episode of this very special season, the Duchess will be meeting with the CEO of Belvoir Castle, Emma Stenning, to discuss the business of Belvoir: past, present and future. In their conversation, the Duchess explains how historically a family like the Manners would have made their money, Duchess reveals to Emma when she plans to retire, and we finally learn who has more staff - Belvoir or the Beckhams! Top Quotes: “I think of you [The Duchess of Rutland] as...

Episode Description: This week on Duchess, our host meets Orlando Rock chairman of Christies to talk about the art & heirlooms of Belvoir Castle. In their conversation, the Duchess learns about the fascinating history of the grand tour, Orlando explains the key in evaluating a piece of art’s value, and the Duchess asks Orlando what his favourite heirloom from Belvoir is. Later in the episode, the Duchess meets online with Emma Burns and Philip Hooper: joint manager directors of historic...

Episode Description: This week on the podcast, the Duchess meets her head gardener, Tom Webster, to go through the gorgeous gardens of Belvoir. In their chat, the Duchess learns about Tom’s fascinating gardening philosophy, Tom explains how he brought back the old fragrance of Belvoir, and why Roses are the way to a woman’s heart. Later in the episode, the Duchess meets one of the estate’s top tour guides to discuss the legends of Belvoir - where the Duchess learns about the most haunted...

Episode Description: In this week’s episode, the Duchess meets Belvoir Castle’s archivist, Vicki Perry, to discuss the fascinating history of women at Belvoir Castle. In the show, Vicki will be sharing never before released letters and stories from the many extraordinary women who helped make Belvoir what it is today. Later in the show, the Duchess will then sit down with her daughter, Violet, to talk about what the life of a duchess is really like - past and present - and how this podcast...

Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess will be meeting the Duke’s personal assistant - Harvey Proctor - to discuss the architecture of Belvoir Castle, the history behind the four castles of Belvoir, and how the effects of a disastrous 19th century fire can still be seen today. Then later in the show, the Duchess will be joined by the Duke of Rutland to discuss the Manners family history, to learn where the Manners truly came from and to get an insight on the many notable figures...

Episode Description: On the first episode of this new season, the Duchess sits down with her beloved mother, Roma, to discuss their family life in Wales, the Duchess explains how it prepared her for a life in custodianship and we learn what the Roma’s family really thought about her daughter joining the aristocracy. Top Quotes: “The ethic of work and not the achievement of what it brings is whats important. Of course, nothing at Belvoir will ever be mine but the journey of making it...

Throughout the journey of this podcast, the Duchess of Rutland has met many extraordinary people, learned so much about the nature of custodianship, and has felt privileged to explore the the UK's finest private heritage. But now, the Duchess wants to share the story of her home with you - Belvoir Castle. In this next 6-part limited series, Her Grace will guide listeners through an exciting behind-the-scenes audio experience around her own home. Each episode will be a deep-dive on a different...

Episode Description: In this episode, The Duchess meets Viscountess Gage of Firle Place. Lady Gage share with us the incredible art collection at Firle, we learn about the eclectic female poet that became a central figure in Christian mysticism. Emma also talks to Lady Gage about why Firle Place is considered by many to be one of prettiest houses in the country. Top Quotes: “There’s an endless movement and evolution in the use of these homes. They defy the notions of permanence.” - Lady...

Episode Description: Welcome back to a very special episode of the Duchess podcast. The weekend of the 3rd of June has just passed and we enjoyed a wonderful weekend of platinum jubilee celebrations for our Queen Elizabeth II. So to celebrate Queen Elizabeth we have decided to have a special episode dedicated to her and the royal family. To start, we will have one of our favourite guests back on the podcast, Lady Derby of Knowsley Hall, who will share some of her own stories involving the...

Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess meets online with Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall and Sanctuary. The Duchess talks to Paris about the trailblazing transformation she’s leading at the estate, we learn about the Victorian ‘wonder woman’ who lived at Broughton, and Emma discuss with Paris, some of the important sustainability projects they are developing on the estate. Top Quotes: “I really hope that we can be a lighthouse. A beacon of hope that shines out to anyone in need for...

Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess meets Alice Kennard of Forde Abbey. Alice describes the fascinating monastic history of Forde Abbey, and why it was so important in its time. We also hear from Alice about the beauty of her award winning gardens, and we learn all about the famous Mortlake tapestry that used to hang in the Abbey. Top Quotes: “I feel there is a pressure to produce that clinical visitor experience the National Trust do, which I’m determined not to do. Here, they...

Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess meets Lady Inglewood of Hutton-In-The-Forest. In the episode, we learn about Hutton's incredible architecture, Lady Inglewood takes us through her exceptional gardening pedigree, and she also discusses with Emma the serendipitous origins of Hutton's world famous Potfest. Top Quotes: “Living in this house, and getting older yourself, you realise a hundred years isn’t very long. Time is a telescope.” - Lady Inglewood “To preserve this place for...

Episode Description: This week, the Duchess meets the brilliant Virginia Grant of Kingston Bagpuize House. In this episode, the Duchess learns about the perfect architectural symmetry of Kingston Bagpuize, we are taken on a tour through the rare fauna on the estate, and Virginia reveals what it’s really like to have Maggie Smith in your home. Top Quotes: “My guidance to future generations would be don’t ignore what your predecessors did. It’s so important you preserve the estates. It’s so...

Episode Description: In this episode of Duchess, Emma Rutland meets the wonderful Sarah Troughton, custodian of one of Scotland’s most enchanting stately homes - Blair Castle. In the episode, Sarah reveals how the Dukes of Atholl, who once called Blair their home, inherited the title of Lord of Mann - head of state of the Isle of Man. The Duchess is given the background on the Atholl Highlanders - Europe’s last private army, and we’re introduced to a former custodian who was not only the...

Episode Description: On this exciting episode of Duchess, Emma meets the custodian of one of Britain’s greatest stately homes: The Marchioness Townshend of Raynham Hall. In this episode, we learn about the fascinating story of how the city of Sydney was named after a Townshend. The Duchess hears how Lord ‘Turnip’ Townshend ushered in an agricultural revolution at Raynham, and we are given the full story behind the world’s best known ghost photograph! Top Quotes: “You can not dictate the...