Episode Description:

In this episode, our host travels to Cirencester Park to meet the Countess Bathurst. In this episode, Lady Bathurst explains to the Duchess how the Earl Bathurst was instrumental in the Battle of Waterloo, the Duchess is introduced to the ‘tornado of a woman’ who called Cirencester home, and Lady Bathurst tells us about the amusing encounter between the late Henry, Earl Bathurst and Prince William.

Top Quotes:

“These estates, these houses, are a way of life. It’s not a job. They seep into your soul and into your being and they become part of you and you become part of it.” - Countess of Bathurst

“It’s a total partnership with people living in heritage.” Duchess of Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Lady Bathurst married her husband Allen, the 9th Earl Bathurst, in 1996. Much of her time has been spent running the house at Cirencester Park and working in the Gloucestershire community, through a number of roles and charities around the county. This includes being patron of the Herefordshire and Gloucestershire charity Salters Hill and PCC Ambassador for Gloucestershire.

Cirencester Park is a country house in the parish of Cirencester in Gloucestershire, England, and is the seat of the Bathurst family. The house sits on the edge of the town of Cirencester, and surrounded by the tallest Yew hedge in the world. The house contains portraits by Lawrence, Gainsborough, Romney, Lely, Reynolds, Hoppner, Kneller and many others, and a set of giant marble columns collected by Lord Apsley in 1814. Cirencester is particularly renowned for it's parkland, with glorious vistas studded with grecian follies and statues. The park is open to the public throughout the year.

About the Host:

Emma Rutland, The Duchess of Rutland, did not always stride the halls of stately homes. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh marsh countryside. She trained as an opera singer in the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a successful interior designer before meeting her future husband David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, at a dinner party. Their marriage in 1992 would transform Emma Watkins into the 11th Duchess of Rutland, thrusting her into the world of aristocracy, and handing her the responsibility of one of the nation's great treasures: Belvoir Castle. While simultaneously running the day to day operations of the castle, and raising five children, The Duchess became fascinated with the history and importance of the other stately homes of the UK. Join The Duchess as she embarks on a wonderful journey through time, to learn more about the incredible homes that have defined Great Britain and, most importantly, meet the other extraordinary women who work tirelessly behind their doors to preserve their history and magic for future generations.

Resources:

https://www.bathurstestate.co.uk/visitors/cirencester-park/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

https://www.duchessthepodcast.com/

https://www.abercrombiekent.co.uk/about-us/partners/duchess

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