Hidden Heritage

In this episode of Hidden Heritage, listeners are in for a treat as Lady Violet Manners takes them on an entrancing journey into the heart of the illustrious Hellfire Caves with Victoria Dashwood Chase.

Unravel the mystique surrounding these ancient underground passages, delve into their tumultuous history with the notorious Hellfire Club, and witness the metamorphosis of this captivating heritage site.

From delving into the architectural marvels and the family-friendly escapades to recounting ghostly encounters, this is an episode that promises to keep you on the edge of your seat.

Prepare to uncover what sets the Hellfire Caves apart as a spellbinding attraction, gain insight into the plans aimed at enriching visitor experiences, and become engrossed in the timeless tales of wonder and fascination nestled beneath the English countryside.

Join us for an expedition through time and tradition as Hidden Heritage unveils the enigmatic mysteries of the Hellfire Caves.

Key Points:

00:00:05 - Introduction to the podcast and the topic of the Hellfire Caves.

00:02:18 - Explanation of the connection to the Hellfire Caves and the ancestor Sir Francis Dashwood.

00:04:10 - The history of the Hellfire Club and Sir Francis Dashwood's involvement in its establishment.

00:07:50 - Description of Sir Francis Dashwood's personality and eccentricities.

00:09:09 - Details about Sir Francis Dashwood's previous clubs before the Hellfire Club.

00:10:44 - The connection between the Hellfire Caves and Benjamin Franklin.

00:11:10 - Sharing of ghost stories associated with the Hellfire Caves.

00:14:17 - Discussion of the frequency of the Hellfire Club meetings.

00:15:09 - A story about John Wilkes dressing up as a baboon and causing mischief.

00:16:30 - The historical significance of the Hellfire Caves and its connection to America.

00:19:17 - The highlights of visiting the Hellfire Caves and the wider estate today.

00:22:09 - Suggestions for other activities and places to visit in the area.

00:25:20 - The annual events and experiences offered at the Hellfire Caves, including Halloween and Christmas.

00:27:18 - Hopes for the future of the estate and creating more experiences for families.

Guest Info

Victoria Dashwood Chase is a descendant of the renowned Sir Francis Dashwood, the 18th-century aristocrat who commissioned the construction of the Hellfire Caves in West Wycombe, Buckinghamshire. The caves, originally created between 1748 and 1752, served as a meeting place for the infamous Hellfire Club, a secret society known for its libertine activities and influential members.After being closed for nearly 200 years, the Hellfire Caves were reopened in the late 1940s and early 1950s by Victoria's grandfather, Sir John Dashwood, who was inspired to restore the caves following a holiday to New Mexico. The restoration project aimed to transform the caves into a tourist attraction, and since their reopening in 1951, they have welcomed over two million visitors.

Victoria Dashwood Chase, who holds a degree from Edinburgh University, is actively involved in the family business. She focuses on the experiential and event side of the tourist attraction, leveraging the unique historical and cultural significance of the Hellfire Caves to offer a variety of engaging experiences for visitors. Her work includes organising events, tours, and other activities that highlight the rich history and mysterious allure of the caves

About:

Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com

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Step inside the world of hidden heritage as Lady Violet Manners invites you to embark on a journey of discovery in the latest episode of the podcast. Joining her is Dr. Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrim Trust, to unravel the timeless allure of pilgrimage and the profound connection to the sacred sites of Great Britain.

In this episode, listeners can expect to be swept away by captivating tales of historical sculptures, ancient trees, and the transformative power of pilgrimage. With insights from Guy Hayward, discover the depths of custodianship, the spiritual significance of ancient buildings, and the resurgence of pilgrimage in the UK.

As the conversation unfolds, delve into the rich tapestry of heritage and tradition, uncovering the unique rituals and personal transformations experienced on pilgrimage. Uncover the evocative melodies of early music at Westminster Abbey and the mesmerising charm of choral evensong as Guy shares his passion for these enchanting traditions.

So, come along on this extraordinary journey through history, spirituality, and the enduring legacy of sacred heritage sites in Great Britain. It's an episode not to be missed, offering an uplifting and insightful exploration of our nation's hidden treasures.

Key Points:

00:00:05: Introduction to Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrim Trust

00:02:16: Guy defines pilgrimage as walking for the soul, not just for exercise

00:05:30: Guy encourages people to lie down in churches and look up at the ceilings

00:06:38: Guy discusses the origins of pilgrimage, dating back to the dawn of time

00:11:22: Guy shares his view on favourite pilgrimage routes in the UK

00:44:53: Guy reveals there are 16,000 ancient parish churches and 43 cathedrals in England and Wales

00:45:11: The British Pilgrim Trust has mapped out about 300 pilgrimage routes

00:46:25: Guy shares how his founding patron leads his godson on pilgrimages every year

00:48:28: Guy discusses the connection between historic houses and pilgrimage

00:53:36: Guy sings a song about a special tree at Belvoir Castle

Guest Info

Guy Hayward is a multi-talented individual with diverse interests and pursuits. He co-founded the British Pilgrimage Trust, an organisation dedicated to reviving the tradition of pilgrimage in Britain, after completing his PhD at Cambridge on the psychology and anthropology of communal singing. Alongside his work with the British Pilgrimage Trust, Guy runs the website choralevensong.org, an online directory aimed at raising awareness of Choral Evensong services. Additionally, he is one half of the satirical cabaret duo Bounder & Cad, showcasing his musical and comedic talents. Guy’s academic background, entrepreneurial spirit, and artistic abilities make him a versatile and fascinating figure, seamlessly blending spirituality, psychology, arts, and cultural heritage.

About:

Step inside Britain’s greatest historic houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Links and Resources:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to this episode of Hidden Heritage, where we invite you to step into the extraordinary world of Blenheim Palace, a true gem of British heritage.

Immerse yourself in the allure of this non-royal palace, a designated World Heritage site, with host Violet Manners. In this episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Kate Ballenger, the keeper of collections at Blenheim Palace, who provides unparalleled insights into the meticulous management and preservation of the palace's extraordinary collections.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the rich history and architecture of Blenheim Palace, learning about its royal origins and its significance in the local community. Explore the challenges faced in maintaining the palace's historical treasures amidst nearly 900,000 annual visitors and the delicate balance between public access and preservation.

Delve into the impact of fashion exhibitions on historic houses and the innovative ways in which contemporary influences are seamlessly integrated with the palace's heritage. Discover the stories, innovations, and passion behind one of the UK's most treasured landmarks in this episode that unveils the hidden heritage of Blenheim Palace. So, prepare to be enchanted as we uncover the remarkable tales behind the preservation and celebration of this iconic British landmark.

Key Points:

00:00:05 - Introduction to the podcast "Hidden Heritage" about Great Britain's favourite destinations

00:01:12 - Description of the keeper of collections' role at Blenheim Palace

00:03:34 - Discussion about the origins of the "Icons of British Fashion" exhibition at Blenheim

00:05:58 - The story of Winston Churchill's unexpected birth in a cloak room at Blenheim

00:18:56 - The inspiration behind the exhibition, including love for designers Bruce Oldfield and Jean Muir

00:23:27 - The history of the Battle of Blenheim and its significance in changing Europe's power structure

00:26:22 - Churchill's invention of the "siren suit" during wartime

00:27:00 - Barber's sustainability efforts, repairing 76,000 jackets annually

00:30:48 - The plan to spend £40 million on conservation and restoration at Blenheim

00:33:42 - Importance of engaging younger generations with historic places

00:37:56 - The upcoming project to restore Blenheim's Victorian kitchen

00:41:23 - Revealing that the collections team works in an unglamorous office inside the palace

00:42:11 - Recommendation to visit Bicester Village for shopping near Blenheim

00:44:31 - Amusing anecdotes about managing film crews, including interactions with Tom Cruise, Alec Baldwin, and Ridley Scott

00:45:00 - The strict "no tape" rule during film shoots to protect the palace's delicate surfaces

Guest Info

Kate Ballenger is the current Head of Collections for Blenheim Palace.

Kate was previously House Manager at Blenheim Palace. In her role, she managed conservation projects to preserve the palace collection, planned events, recruited and managed palace staff, and generally was in charge of overseeing the visitor business. Her day-to-day duties range from briefing cleaning staff and palace guides to monitoring the presentation of the palace and dealing with customer service issues.

She has a degree in art history and a diploma in art conservation.

About:

Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Links and Resources:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, our host, Lady Violet Manners, is thrilled to bring you an enchanting conversation with the remarkable Alice Loxton, a passionate author, historian, and social media influencer. Together, they delve into the realm of historic buildings, untold stories, and the captivating allure of historical content on social media.

Join us as we explore:

So, prepare to be transported through time as Hidden Heritage takes you on a vibrant and illuminating journey through the rich tapestry of Britain's historical legacy.

Key Points:

00:00:05 - Introduction of Alice Loxton, historian, author, and influencer with over 1.5 million followers on social media.

00:02:05 - Alice discusses her first destination recommendation, Harvington Hall in Worcestershire, known for its priest holes.

00:12:12 - Alice shares her inspiration behind her book "Uproar," which reimagines Georgian Britain through the eyes of artists.

00:18:25 - Alice recommends her second destination, the Guild Chapel in Stratford-upon-Avon, known for its mediaeval wall paintings.

00:21:34 - Alice discusses her upcoming book "18," which explores British history through the lives of 18-year-olds across time.

00:28:44 - Alice explains why it's important to keep heritage alive and how it enriches our daily lives.

00:32:58 - Alice presents her final destination recommendation, Temple Church in London, a place that encompasses much of British history.

00:39:09 - Conclusion of the podcast, with information on how to follow Alice Loxton on social media.

Guest Info

Alice Loxton is a historian, presenter and author with 2 million followers on social media. On her Instagram account, History_alice, Alice creates bite-size pieces of historical content for her followers.

Her debut non-fiction history book, UPROAR!, reimagines the history of Georgian Britain through the eyes of the artists who immortalised it. It was released on 2nd March 2023, and has been Longlisted for Blackwell’s Book of the Year. It was reviewed in The Times, The New Statesman, Times Literary Supplement, London Review of Books, The Spectator, BBC History Magazine, Country Life and The Mail on Sunday.

She has worked with a number of charities and media organisations, such as BBC News, BBC Radio London, Meta, Sky Arts, Channel 5, Channel 4, Times Radio, Christie’s, The National Gallery, The National Portrait Gallery, and The National Trust.

About:

Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Links and Resources:

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where we invite you to delve into the captivating world of British heritage! In this episode, you'll join host Lady Violet Manners as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, to uncover the intriguing blend of history, investment, and tourism shaping the British heritage landscape.

Tune in to discover how the UK's rich heritage is experiencing a revival post-Covid, the exciting developments in promoting historic houses and gardens, and the strategic efforts to attract international visitors. With key insights into the interconnected realm of heritage, tourism, and cultural preservation, this episode promises to inspire and encourage you to embark on your own journey of exploration. So, grab your headphones and get ready to be transported into the vibrant world of British heritage!

Key Points:

00:00:01 Introduction

00:01:50 Patricia Yates explains the role of Visit Britain

00:03:20 Discussing the importance of tourism to the UK economy

00:04:57 Patricia's background and how she got into tourism

00:06:54 The rise of heritage and period dramas like Bridgerton

00:13:48 Balancing tourism and sustainability for heritage sites

00:16:29 Patricia's first experiences with heritage (Hever Castle)

00:18:08 Historic houses/sites Patricia wants to visit (Muncaster Castle, Bishop Auckland)

00:19:24 The Blenheim Palace fashion exhibition

00:20:38 Why it's important for Brits to explore UK heritage

00:22:14 Upcoming plans and campaigns for Visit Britain

00:25:44 Popular historic houses/sites for visitors 00:28:24 Hopes for the future of UK heritage

00:29:54 Quick-fire questions (favourite historic house, garden, period drama etc.)

00:31:04 Closing remarks

Guest Info:

Patricia is the CEO of VisitBritain/VisitEngland, a position she has held since 2022. With a background in journalism and consumer advocacy, Patricia started her career editing publications like Holiday Which? and the Which? Guide to Hotels. She is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of VisitBritain/VisitEngland and its global network, focused on building partnerships to grow tourism value across Britain. Patricia also chairs the Tourism Industry Emergency Response group and is an observer on the board of the Tourism Alliance.

About:

Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Links and Resources:

Thank you to the Georgian Society for the use of their venue to film this podcast. For more information, head to www.georgiansocietygroup.com

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Welcome to Hidden Heritage – the podcast that brings you inside Great Britain’s favourite destinations with help from custodians, historians, artisans and experts.

From the same team that brought you the No.1 History podcast Duchess, Hidden Heritage uncovers the fascinating stories behind the UK brightest hidden gems. With the help from the biggest voices within British heritage, Hidden Heritage will explore some of the key challenges facing national heritage today and how they can be addressed.

Hosted by Lady Violet Manners, founder of HeritageX and Executive Producer of the hit podcast Duchess, this podcast shares the untold & unique stories that celebrate UK heritage. From landmarks to architecture, artefacts to myths & legends, Hidden Heritage will highlight a side to British history you have never seen before. This is Hidden Heritage.

Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit  https://www.heritagexplore.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Hall began life as a medieval hunting lodge in the 12th century, but the earliest part of today’s building dates from about 1500. The hall has been progressively added to over the years and now is a structure boasting a Georgian façade and Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors. The house was significantly rebuilt in the early 18th century by the 10th Earl, and was enlarged again by the Victorian Earls of Derby. Knowsley Hall has over 100 rooms, 20 bedrooms, and two libraries. The State Dining Room, with its 50ft-high ceiling, can seat 50 people at one long table. The parkland alone stretches to 2,500 acres, within of the 12,000 acre estate in Northern England. Shakespeare’s first company of actors – Lord Strange’s Men - performed in the hall under the patronage of the, the 5th Earl. The performance-loving 6th Earl continued the family’s patronage of Shakespeare; ’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was probably first performed at his wedding to Elizabeth de Vere in front of Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace. Edward Lear, who popularised the limerick poetic form, wrote his nonsense poems in the hall for the grandchildren of the 12th Earl. Today the hall is home to the 19th Earl and Countess of Derby and their family. Under Lord & Lady Derby’s custodianship, Knowsley has enjoyed a renaissance as a centre of learning & community, welcoming people from across the globe.

About the Host:

The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area.

Resources:

Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/

Order your copy of A Grand Tour journal 1820-22; The Awakening of the Man, edited by Professor Angus Hawkins. Published by Fontill Media. Now available on Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/)

Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/mhttps://www.onefineplay.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 friendship with Edward Lear, and how the young illustrator and writer would later work and live on the estate.

About Knowsley Hall:

Knowsley Hall began life as a medieval hunting lodge in the 12th century, but the earliest part of today’s building dates from about 1500. The hall has been progressively added to over the years and now is a structure boasting a Georgian façade and Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors. The house was significantly rebuilt in the early 18th century by the 10th Earl, and was enlarged again by the Victorian Earls of Derby. Knowsley Hall has over 100 rooms, 20 bedrooms, and two libraries. The State Dining Room, with its 50ft-high ceiling, can seat 50 people at one long table. The parkland alone stretches to 2,500 acres, within of the 12,000 acre estate in Northern England. Shakespeare’s first company of actors – Lord Strange’s Men - performed in the hall under the patronage of the, the 5th Earl. The performance-loving 6th Earl continued the family’s patronage of Shakespeare; ’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was probably first performed at his wedding to Elizabeth de Vere in front of Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace. Edward Lear, who popularised the limerick poetic form, wrote his nonsense poems in the hall for the grandchildren of the 12th Earl. Today the hall is home to the 19th Earl and Countess of Derby and their family. Under Lord & Lady Derby’s custodianship, Knowsley has enjoyed a renaissance as a centre of learning & community, welcoming people from across the globe.

About the Host:

The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area.

Resources:

Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/

Order your copy of A Grand Tour journal 1820-22; The Awakening of the Man, edited by Professor Angus Hawkins. Published by Fontill Media. Now available on Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/)

Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 political figures in the family - including a Lady Mary Derby who was described as a ‘fierce political operator’ and, how her and her husband’s role in resolving the Eastern Crisis would lead them to be accused of treason by Queen Victoria.

About Knowsley Hall:

Knowsley Hall began life as a medieval hunting lodge in the 12th century, but the earliest part of today’s building dates from about 1500. The hall has been progressively added to over the years and now is a structure boasting a Georgian façade and Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors. The house was significantly rebuilt in the early 18th century by the 10th Earl, and was enlarged again by the Victorian Earls of Derby. Knowsley Hall has over 100 rooms, 20 bedrooms, and two libraries. The State Dining Room, with its 50ft-high ceiling, can seat 50 people at one long table. The parkland alone stretches to 2,500 acres, within of the 12,000 acre estate in Northern England. Shakespeare’s first company of actors – Lord Strange’s Men - performed in the hall under the patronage of the, the 5th Earl. The performance-loving 6th Earl continued the family’s patronage of Shakespeare; ’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was probably first performed at his wedding to Elizabeth de Vere in front of Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace. Edward Lear, who popularised the limerick poetic form, wrote his nonsense poems in the hall for the grandchildren of the 12th Earl. Today the hall is home to the 19th Earl and Countess of Derby and their family. Under Lord & Lady Derby’s custodianship, Knowsley has enjoyed a renaissance as a centre of learning & community, welcoming people from across the globe.

About the Host:

The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area.

Resources:

Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/

Order your copy of A Grand Tour journal 1820-22; The Awakening of the Man, edited by Professor Angus Hawkins. Published by Fontill Media. Now available on Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/)

Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode Description:

In today’s episode, Lady Derby sits down Alexandra Mayson 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 flip of a coin. We also investigate the life of the 14th Earl, aka the ‘forgotten prime minister’ and how racing was an outlet for his political responsibilities.

About Knowsley Hall:

Knowsley Hall began life as a medieval hunting lodge in the 12th century, but the earliest part of today’s building dates from about 1500. The hall has been progressively added to over the years and now is a structure boasting a Georgian façade and Jacobean, Baroque and Victorian interiors. The house was significantly rebuilt in the early 18th century by the 10th Earl, and was enlarged again by the Victorian Earls of Derby. Knowsley Hall has over 100 rooms, 20 bedrooms, and two libraries. The State Dining Room, with its 50ft-high ceiling, can seat 50 people at one long table. The parkland alone stretches to 2,500 acres, within of the 12,000 acre estate in Northern England. Shakespeare’s first company of actors – Lord Strange’s Men - performed in the hall under the patronage of the, the 5th Earl. The performance-loving 6th Earl continued the family’s patronage of Shakespeare; ’A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ was probably first performed at his wedding to Elizabeth de Vere in front of Queen Elizabeth I at Greenwich Palace. Edward Lear, who popularised the limerick poetic form, wrote his nonsense poems in the hall for the grandchildren of the 12th Earl. Today the hall is home to the 19th Earl and Countess of Derby and their family. Under Lord & Lady Derby’s custodianship, Knowsley has enjoyed a renaissance as a centre of learning & community, welcoming people from across the globe.

About the Host:

The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area.

Resources:

Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/

Order your copy of A Grand Tour journal 1820-22; The Awakening of the Man, edited by Professor Angus Hawkins. Published by Fontill Media. Now available on Amazon.com (http://amazon.com/)

Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/https://www.onefineplay.com/

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices