EPISODE DESCRIPTION: 

On this week’s episode, The Duchess meets Demetra Lindsay - custodian of the marvellous Hedingham Castle - Britain’s best preserved Norman keep. The Duchess learns about the history of Hedingham Castle, and hears a beautiful love story that challenged the social norms of it’s day, Demetra introduces us to some ghostly residents who continue to walk the halls of Hedingham, and we take a tour of the wonderful gardens. Enjoy.

Have you ever watched Bridgerton, The Crown or Downton Abbey and wondered what it's really like to be a Duchess? If so, this is the podcast for you.

TOP QUOTES:

“We bring our own passion to the homes we are custodians of. Although we are only here for moment in time, when you look across to the keep that’s been here for 900 years, it’s just breathtaking.” - The Duchess of Rutland

“A sense of duty is something that’s key for running heritage.” The Duchess

“Living in heritage is a partnership with people.” - The Duchess of Rutland

“A sense of responsibility is the essence of getting up in the morning.” - Demetra Lindsay

“The secret to a Great British Garden is all about turning and finding a surprise.” - Demetra Lindsay

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Demetra Lindsay married her husband Jason in 2003. Prior to moving onto the estate, Demetra was an architect. The couple appeared on Channel 4’s The Landscape Man, and continue to live on the estate with their 3 children. 

ABOUT THE STATELY HOME:

The grounds of Hedingham Castle encompass over a 1000 years of history. Built in the 12th Century by Aubrey De Vere, one of William the Conqueror's most important knights, the castle is one of Europe’s best preserved Norman Keeps. For hundreds of years Hedingham was the seat to the Earl’s of Oxford, and hosted important figures such as - King Henry VIII & Queen Elizabeth I. Since passing from the De Vere family to the Majendies, who owned Hedingham for 250 years, the castle then passed to the Lindsays - who serendipitously are descendants of the De Vere’s. Hedingham Castle continues to marvel tourists and visitors, who can enjoy the grounds, keep, and armoury, at weddings and events all year round. 

ABOUT THE HOST:

Emma, the Duchess of Rutland, grew up far away from the world of the aristocracy. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh 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 thrust Emma into a new world, which included the responsibility of preserving one of the nation's greatest stately homes: 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 Emma 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 in the background, to preserve their homes history and magic for future generations. 

RESOURCES:

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

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