The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Catherine Maxwell Stuart of Traquair House

   Episode Description: On today’s episode, the Duchess meets the incredible Catherine Maxwell Stuart, the first Lady Laird of Traquair. Catherine and the Duchess speak at length about the royal history of Traquair, the tale behind the famous ‘closed gates’, we hear the stories of the other extraordinary women of Traquair, and Catherine educates the Duchess on the most important feature of a Scottish home: A watchtower. 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: “Running an estate has been a journey of learning but I wouldn’t have swapped any of it.” - The Duchess “I love the idea of old houses being alive. That they don’t come across like a museum. They should be vibrant. Lived in.” - Catherine Maxwell Stuart “You’re just a custodian. You’re a blip in the castle’s history.” - Catherine Maxwell Stuart “It’s a little bit of magic to appreciate our culture and heritage in living houses.” - Catherine Maxwell Stuart “People want to support the local house on the hill because there is a great sense of ownership with you.”- The Duchess About the Guest and Stately Home: Catherine Maxwell Stuart was born to Peter Maxwell Stuart, the 20th Laird of Traquair, in 1964. Catherine met her husband, Mark Muller Stuart, human rights lawyer, at the London School of Economics in the 1980s. The couple raise their three children together, Isabella, Louis and Charlotte, at Traquair House and Catherine has run the estate, and the Traquair brewery, since 1999. She is the first lady Laird of Traquair. Traquair House has remained the most enduring stately homes in the whole of the UK. It is not known when the exact foundations of the house were laid but a substantial structure must have existed by 1107 when Alexander 1 of Scotland signed a royal charter at Traquair. As a result, Traquair is the oldest continually inhabited property in Scotland. Also at Traquair a charter still exists, signed in 1175, that authorised William the Lion to open a Bishop’s Burgh and hold a market on Thursdays. This market would grow into the Glasgow Fair. Overall, 27 Kings and Queens have stayed at Traquair, and the estate continues to attract tens of thousands of visitors annually. With her husband Mark, Catherine began the ‘Beyond Borders’, an event aimed at bringing together internationally renowned experts and leaders to talk and exchange ideas. There’s a maze at the estate, a cafe, a luxury B&B and the estate is also available for weddings and corporate events. 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.belvoircastle.com/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ https://www.traquair.co.uk/about-traquair/ https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   April 08, 2021·41min
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   Number 2: Martha Lytton-Cobbold of Knebworth House

   Episode Description: Joining The Duchess on this latest episode is the wonderful Martha Lytton-Cobbold of Knebworth House. Martha and the Duchess enjoy an incredible conversation, discussing Knebworth’s historic ties to writers like Edward Buwler Lytton and Charles Dickens, we hear the incredible story of one of the nation’s greatest suffragettes, Martha elaborates on the challenges and importance of empowering women in heritage, and we hear amazing tales about the many the rock and roll luminaries that have performed on the iconic grounds. 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: “Taking this on as a woman, many people will believe that what you’re doing isn’t correct. It’s important to think about your decisions, but make them, and stick to them.” - Martha Lytton-Cobbold “There are still struggles. There are still issues that need to be addressed. Women need to be treated more equitably.” - Martha Lytton-Cobbold About the Guest: Martha Lytton-Cobbold was born in Alabama, and studied Art History and Journalism in NYU. She married her husband Henry Lytton-Cobbold and has two children. Martha is the first female president of The Historic House Association. A manor house residing at Knebworth dates back as far as 1346. After the site was purchased by Sir Robert Lytton a grander estate was built roughly around 1500. Some of the best known residents of Knebworth include writer and politician Edward Bulwer Lytton, as well as the suffragette Constance Lytton. Although steepled in history for hundreds of years, Knebworth’s cultural significance has peaked in the modern day with its legendary concerts. Looking through a list of Knebworth performers is akin to reading members of the rock n roll hall of fame: Pink Floyd, Metallica, The Rolling Stones. But Knebworth does not just have notable performers, but notable performances: Led Zeppelin had their final concert here, Queen performed with Eddie Mercury for the final time at Knebworth, the legendary Oasis standing gigs occurred on the estate, and so on. As a result, Knebworth in the modern era continues to attract tourists with its historical pedigree, pop culture appeal, and beautiful landscape. 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.belvoircastle.com/ https://www.onefineplay.com/ https://www.knebworthhouse.com/ https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   April 01, 2021·42min
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   Number 3: The Duchess of Fife of Kinnaird Castle

   Episode Description: In this episode, Emma Rutland meets another Duchess: Caroline, Duchess of Fife. Emma Rutland learns about the estate’s rebellious history, the magnificent art collection in the castle, and the many groundbreaking conservation projects developed on the estate. 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: “In these houses, we are only as able as the team around us. They are precious to you.” - Emma Rutland “Running these homes; making people happy. It is a joy.” - the Duchess of Fife “Despite everything, these houses survive.” - Emma Rutland “The environmental crisis is the biggest threat to us today. Conservation in these stately homes is crucial.” - Emma Rutland “When people look at these buildings, there’s a great sense of stability. That life goes on.” - Emma Rutland About the Guest and Stately Home: Caroline Bunting married her husband, the heir to the Duke of Fife, in 1987. Together, the couple raised their three sons at the magnificent Kinnaird Castle, once home to the 1st Duchess of Fife - Princess Louise, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The Carnegie Clan have called the lands surrounding Kinnaird -Angus in Scotland, home since the 14th century, and records of a mansion on the estate date back to the 14th century. The Carnegie Clan have been at the centre of Scottish political history for centuries. They supported James II, fought at the battle of Flodden, and supported Mary, Queen of Scots. With the castle’s construction in the 15th century, David Carnegie became Earl of Southesk in 1616. This would begin an illustrious line of nobility in the family, culminating in their ennoblement to Dukes of Fie upon marriage of the 6th Earl of Fife to Louise, the Princess Royal, daughter of King Edward VII. Kinnaird Castle has remained in the family for 600 hundred (Bar a brief confiscation after the Carnegies had supported the Jacobite Rebellion). The castle’s high baronial architectural style has makes it one of the most beautiful stately homes in the UK. The estate boasts an astonishing art collection, and leads the way in conservation within historic homes. About the Host: Emma, 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://kinnairdcastle.co.uk/ https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   March 25, 2021·37min
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   Number 4: The Duchess of Argyll of Inveraray Castle

   Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess meets the Duchess of Argyll, who invites us inside her fabulous home: the historic Inveraray Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Fyne in Scotland. We learn about the ghostly history the castle, and we hear the story of the iconic 20th century society beauty: Ethel Margaret Campbell. The Duchess of Argyll shares with us the fascinating history of the proud Campbell Clan, and we learn about the Duchess of Argyll's connection to Britain’s most treasured of chocolatiers. 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: “I think being a Duchess has taught me that I have a responsibility to my local community, and that I must do it better every day.” - Emma Rutland “We have a hundred and twenty thousand visitors a year. Without them, these homes have nothing.” - the Duchess of Argyll “That’s the reality of heritage in the 21st century: to juggle everything to make it work, to keep the roof on.” - Emma Rutland “As your keeper at Inveraray Castle said to me: There’s no bad weather; there’s just bad dressing.” - Emma Rutland “You’ve got to move with the times. You have to hand the estate on in a better condition than when you got it.” - the Duchess of Argyll About the Guest and Stately Home: The Duchess of Argyll was born Eleanor Cadbury of the renowned Quaker & Chocolatier family. Eleanor previously worked in PR before meeting her husband Torquill, the 13th Duke of Argyll. The couple have three children together, and live in the castle, managing the 60,000 acre Scottish estate. Inveraray Castle has stood on the shores of Loch Fyne for over 600 years. The striking gothic style castle built in 1743, is the seat of the Campbell Clan who were historically one of the most powerful Scottish Clans, led by their chieftains - the Dukes of Argyll. With its chilling reputation for the paranormal, it’s magnificent treasures, and breathtaking landscapes, Inveraray Castle attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually to its many events, exhibitions, and music festivals. About the Host: Emma, 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.inveraray-castle.com/ https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   March 18, 2021·35min
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   Number 5: The Countess of Devon of Powderham Castle

   Episode Description: In this episode of Duchess, our host meets Hollywood actress and Countess of Devon, A.J. Devon. Lady Devon opens up about her career in Hollywood, and explains the difficulty of transitioning to running a historic home. The Duchess learns about the amazing history of Powderham, and we hear how Lady Devon is transforming the estate into a community space for wellness, health, and happiness. 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: “I didn't realise these houses can eat you. I did lose myself to this house” - Lady Devon “I wasn’t brought up to be beautiful. I was brought up to be authentic, empowered, and to use my voice.” - Lady Devon “Running these homes, there’s an immense need and expectation to take care of our communities.”- Emma Rutland “We can get caught up in the bricks and mortar. But it's our souls that we really put into these homes.” - Emma Rutland “I will always remember the late Duchess of Devonshire’s advice: You must run it, it must not run you.” - Emma Rutland About the Guest and Stately Home: AJ Devon is a former Hollywood actress, who appeared in My So Called Life, Baywatch and Private Practice. Lord & Lady Devon have two children. They have been instrumental in transforming Powderham into a community orientated space promoting health, happiness and freedom of expression. Deep in the picturesque county of Devon, is one the UK’s most unique historic homes: Powderham Castle. With its unique combination of Georgian, Victorian and Gothic architecture, battlement towers, and crenellations, Powderham’s exterior is an extraordinary sight. Many of the lavish interiors are simply spectacular, such as the Powderham Blue Rococo staircase, or the incredible music room, designed by venerated architect James Wyatt. Like the richness of architectural splendour, the estate has a rich history. Seat of the Earls of Devon, the manor of Powderham was first recorded in the Doomsday Book, and has remained in the Courtenay family for 600 years. One of the more well known ancestors was, William Courtenay who, along with adding many of the extraordinary features of the estate, would scandalise the family and be forcefully exiled due to his sexual orientation. About the Host: Emma, 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.powderham.co.uk/ https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

   March 11, 2021·41min
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