Hidden Heritage

Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where Lady Violet Manners explores Great Britain's historical treasures. David Macdonald, a Senior Director at Sotheby's and a specialist in valuing and selling both modern and antique valuables, joins Violet in this episode.

Join us as we explore:

David Macdonald is a Senior Director at Sotheby's, specializing in the sale of contemporary and historic valuables. With a career spanning over two decades, David has become a leading expert in the art market, known for his ability to identify and value significant cultural artefacts.

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

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Georgia Willis, a passionate art history student and Heritage Explore intern, is joining Lady Violet Manners at Hidden Heritage.

In this special episode, Georgia takes the hosting reins to discuss the innovative new platform, Heritage Explore, and its mission to illuminate Great Britain's hidden historic treasures.

Join us as we explore:

Key Points:

00:00:05 Introduction of Georgia Willis as guest host

00:01:03 Violet introduces herself and her background at Belvoir Castle

00:03:53 Inspiration behind creating Heritage Explore

00:08:19 Explanation of Heritage Explore's features and future plans

00:13:15 Violet's favourite features on Heritage Explore

00:16:38 Underutilized features on the platform

00:18:59 Violet's top three historic destination recommendations for summer

00:24:52 Georgia's thoughts on British culture and heritage

00:25:41 Special discount code for listeners (HX 24)

Guest Info:

Georgia Willis is an art history student from Birmingham University with a keen interest in heritage, culture, and architecture. She has spent five weeks interning at Heritage Explore, contributing her enthusiasm and insights to the burgeoning platform's mission to make British heritage accessible to all.

About:

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

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Step inside the timeless elegance of Lamport Hall as Hidden Heritage delves into the world of historical houses and the remarkable woman leading its preservation.

In this episode of Hidden Heritage, host Lady Violet Manners invites listeners to embark on a journey through the hallowed halls of Lamport Hall, under the guidance of esteemed guest Eleanor Carter-Smith, head of enterprise for Lamport Hall's Preservation Trust. As they explore the rich tapestry of history woven into the estate, they shed light on the significance of maintaining and diversifying historic houses in the modern era.

Join the conversation as they delve into the allure of historic houses, the captivating details of Lamport's interior, and the fascinating insight into the family history of the Isham family. Soak in the wisdom of Eleanor Carter-Smith as she shares her vision for the future of Lamport, her pursuit of preserving history, and the array of exciting events awaiting visitors at this timeless treasure.

Key Points:

00:00:05 Introduction to the Hidden Heritage podcast and guest Eleanor Carter-Smith

00:01:35 Eleanor Carter-Smith's background and role at Lamport Hall

00:03:06 Description and history of Lamport Hall

00:04:05 Overview of Lamport Hall's construction and the Isham family

00:06:03 Architectural features and periods of Lamport Hall

00:06:43 Notable figures associated with Lamport Hall

00:07:18 Sir Thomas Isham's Grand Tour and its impact on the estate

00:08:41 Stories and preservation of the Isham family records

00:10:11 Sir Charles Isham's eccentricities and creation of the garden gnome

00:11:27 Description of the rockery and its restoration

00:13:43 The mural painted by Italian prisoners of war in the stables

00:16:33 Lamport Hall's role in the local community and its features

00:17:07 The preservation trust and its establishment in 1974

00:18:35 Challenges faced by Lamport Hall during and after World War II

00:21:15 Current challenges of running a historic house

00:24:30 Favourite rooms and features of Lamport Hall

Guest Info

Eleanor Carter-Smith is Head of Enterprises for Lamport Hall's Preservation Trust. With over a decade of experience in the heritage sector, Eleanor's journey with Lamport Hall began as an intern during her MA in Country House Art History and Literature at the University of Leicester. Her passion for the estate led her to return after gaining valuable experience at other historic houses, including Rockingham Castle and Delapre Abbey. Eleanor's role focuses on aligning the Trust's vision with visitor expectations and community needs. She is particularly interested in making historic houses commercially relevant while preserving their cultural significance. Living on-site at Lamport Hall, Eleanor brings a unique perspective to her work, combining a deep appreciation for the estate's rich history with innovative approaches to ensure its sustainable future.

About:

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

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Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where the rich tapestry of Great Britain's historical treasures comes to life. Geoff Heath-Taylor, a renowned historian and author, joins Lady Violet Manners in this episode as they travel through the tenacity of cultural artifacts, the beauty of historic homes, and the significance of preserving national identity.

In this episode, Geoff Heath-Taylor discusses the loss of cultural artefacts during wars and revolutions, advocating for the restitution of looted goods. He also introduces the magnificent Chettle House in Dorset and the importance of historic houses in shaping culture. Moreover, they unravel the challenges faced by historic houses today, from financial hardships to the disconnect between city and country dwellers.

Key Points:

00:00:05 Introduction of Geoff Heath-Taylor and his background

00:01:31 Geoff discusses his upbringing in Africa and England

00:02:21 Explanation of Geoff's diverse interests and career as a writer

00:03:34 Discussion of how losing family land in Africa influenced Geoff's interest in heritage

00:05:14 Conversation about the beauty and inspiration of historic buildings

00:06:38 Geoff talks about his love of writing and first job at Country Life magazine

00:08:00 Introduction of Castle Ward as Geoff's first destination recommendation

00:11:08 Explanation of challenges faced by historic houses today

00:13:11 Discussion of Wentworth Woodhouse and its history

00:17:46 Conversation about the loss of country houses after World War II

00:21:14 Geoff explains his view on objective beauty in architecture

00:24:43 Discussion of the Country House podcast and its educational aims

00:27:04 Conversation about art losses during World War II and the Nazi regime

00:29:02 Introduction of Chettle House as Geoff's second destination recommendation

00:32:46 Discussion on government's role in preserving national heritage

00:41:44 Introduction of Holkham Hall as Geoff's third destination recommendation

Guest Info

Geoff Heath-Taylor is a versatile professional with a background in journalism, consulting, and academia. Raised in Africa and the English countryside, he began his career as an in-house writer for *Country Life* magazine. He has contributed to numerous publications, including *The Telegraph*, *The Daily Mail*, *The Spectator*, *Tatler*, and *Vanity Fair*, and has appeared as a cultural commentator on television and podcasts.

As a consultant, Geoff advises private family offices globally on education, art, interiors, and philanthropy, and has also advised governments on policy related to education and the built environment. He lectures at universities on education, liberty, architecture, and the philosophy of beauty. Geoff holds a BA in History from the University of Exeter.

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

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Step inside British history with Hidden Heritage, the podcast that uncovers the stories behind the nation's most beloved destinations. Join host Lady Violet Manners, as she delves into the architectural wonders, family histories, and cultural gems that make up the fabric of British heritage.

In this episode, architect and historian John Goodall shares his passion for ancestral connections in old buildings and the physical expression of this in churches. As he delves into the fascinating archives at Belvoir and unravels the remarkable story of a divided estate, listeners will discover the intricate human stories behind historic places.

Tune in to uncover:

Uncover the hidden treasures of British heritage with Hidden Heritage, where culture and history come to life.

Key Points:

00:00:05 Introduction of John Goodall and his background

00:01:35 John describes his role as architecture editor at Country Life

00:03:14 Origins of John's passion for architecture and heritage

00:05:04 John's early experiences writing for Country Life

00:06:47 Importance of visiting and experiencing historic places in person 00:08:21 Discussion of John's interest in mediaeval history

00:10:17 Description of John's doctoral research on Ewelm almshouse

00:15:03 John's first recommended destination: Durham

00:21:06 Challenges facing historic buildings and spaces

00:24:43 Impact of tax policies on preservation of heritage sites

00:32:21 John's second recommended destination: Madresfield

00:37:44 Discussion of British attitudes towards mediaeval history

00:41:13 Importance of preserving historic sites for future generations

00:45:51 Ongoing challenges related to VAT and heritage preservation

00:51:57 John's third recommended destination: Belvoir Castle

00:59:02 Tip for visitors to explore parish churches associated with historic houses

Guest Info

John Goodall is an esteemed English historian and author, currently serving as the Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine. In this role, he is responsible for writing and commissioning the celebrated series of architectural features published weekly in the magazine.

John had a diverse upbringing because he spent his childhood in Kenya, Germany, India, and Yorkshire. His professional career began with English Heritage, where he worked as a researcher and historian from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure at English Heritage, he played a pivotal role in launching the new guidebook series known as the Red Guides and contributed to several flagship exhibitions at historic sites, including Battle and Dover.

Goodall's scholarly contributions include his acclaimed second book, The English Castle, which has garnered numerous accolades.

About:

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

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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/

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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/

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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:

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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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