Hidden Heritage

Episode Description:

In this episode, the Duchess meets Alice Kennard of Forde Abbey. Alice describes the fascinating monastic history of Forde Abbey, and why it was so important in its time. We also hear from Alice about the beauty of her award winning gardens, and we learn all about the famous Mortlake tapestry that used to hang in the Abbey.

Top Quotes:

“I feel there is a pressure to produce that clinical visitor experience the National Trust do, which I’m determined not to do. Here, they do see the family working bits, they do see our dogs coming out of the house, they do see people living in the grounds. I think its more welcoming!” - Alice Kennard

“I always say it’s a partnership with people running private heritage. It’s a big welcoming handshake saying come in. Share our home. We’re all doing our little bit to hand this over to another generation.” - Emma Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Alice Kennard was born to Mark & Lisa Roper. Her parents were custodians of Forde Abbey for decades, and Alice is the fourth generation of Ropers to live at Forde. Alice studied Land Management at Cirencester, where she met her husband Julian in 1997. The couple married and moved into the Home Farm on the Forde Abbey estate.

Forde Abbey is a Grade I listed building within 1,600 acres of land. The house is set on the banks of the River Axe, close to where the borders of Devon, Somerset and Dorset intersect. Founded in the twelfth century, Forde Abbey was a monastery for four hundred years, during which time it became one of the richest and most learned institutions in England. After the dissolution of the larger monasteries in 1539, the Abbey was handed over over to the Crown. In 1649, Forde was purchased by Edmund Prideaux, Member of Parliament for Lyme Regis. He was largely responsible for transforming Forde Abbey from a Monastic residence to a private home. The Mortlake Tapestries used to hang on the walls in The Saloon, now in the V&A, and replaced by copies at Forde. Forde Abbey has also been featured in 2015’s Far From the Maddening Crowd, 1995’s Restoration and 2002’s BBC adaptation of Daniel Deronda.

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.fordeabbey.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

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Episode Description:

In this episode, the Duchess meets Lady Inglewood of Hutton-In-The-Forest. In the episode, we learn about Hutton's incredible architecture, Lady Inglewood takes us through her exceptional gardening pedigree, and she also discusses with Emma the serendipitous origins of Hutton's world famous Potfest.

Top Quotes:

“Living in this house, and getting older yourself, you realise a hundred years isn’t very long. Time is a telescope.” - Lady Inglewood

“To preserve this place for future generations you need to work with the building.” - Lady Inglewood

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Lady Inglewood is the current custodian of Hutton-In-The-Forest with her husband Richard, Lord Inglewood. The couple have three grown up children together. Before becoming custodian of Hutton, Lady Inglewood was also a professional garden photographer for many years working on books for many publishers such as The National Trust.

Hutton-in-the-Forest is a Grade I listed castled house. The oldest part of Hutton-in-the-Forest is the Pele Tower, built in c. 1350 when the de Hoton family lived on the estate. It was built to fend off the threat from the Scots to the north. Originally it had a moat, and was added onto by successive generations in the local pink sandstone. This classical, almost rococo renaissance facade was built in the time of Sir George Fletcher 2nd Bart in 1685. The light coloured stonework and the delicate classical features contrast dramatically with the rest of the building. In the 19th century the interiors were redone by famous arts and crafts designer William Morris. According to legend, Hutton-in-the-Forest is the Greene Knight’s Castle in the Arthurian story of Sir Gawain and the Greene Knight. Hutton-In-The-Forest also hosts the world famous arts & crafts fair 'Potfest' and the estate has a highly coveted collection of contemporary ceramics today.

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://hutton-in-the-forest.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

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

Episode Description:

This week, the Duchess meets the brilliant Virginia Grant of Kingston Bagpuize House. In this episode, the Duchess learns about the perfect architectural symmetry of Kingston Bagpuize, we are taken on a tour through the rare fauna on the estate, and Virginia reveals what it’s really like to have Maggie Smith in your home.

Top Quotes:

“My guidance to future generations would be don’t ignore what your predecessors did. It’s so important you preserve the estates. It’s so important to realise you have this jewel and you must look after it properly.” - Virginia Grant

“These homes, this is part of OUR heritage and I mean our heritage as a country. We have this extraordinary wealth of art, of buildings, of scenery. In time, when there are houses all around them these estates will be an oasis for people to enjoy.” - Virginia Grant

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Virginia Grant is a qualified barrister and the current custodian of Kingston Bagpuize House & Garden. Virginia married Francis Tollemache Grant, son of Sir Francis Cullen Grant of Monymusk, 12th Baronet in 1993. The couple had two children together Elizabeth and Alexander and, following the passing of her husband in 2003, Virginia became responsible for the management, maintenance and development of the house, its gardens, parkland and the estate buildings.

Kingston Bagpuize House is an historic stately home that sits in the village Kingston Bagpuize in Oxfordshire. Thought to have been built originally in the 1660's, the house seen today is largely the result of remodelling done in the early 1700's. The beautiful gardens at Kingston Bagpuize House were created by Miss Raphael and contains a notable collection of unusual trees, shrubs, perennials and bulbs. Kingston Bagpuize House was used as the set of 'Cavenham Park', the residence of 'Lord Merton', in the television series Downton Abbey. It was also used as 'Mrs Goddard's School' in the 2020 feature film Emma.

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://kbhevents.uk/

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

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

Episode Description:

In this episode of Duchess, Emma Rutland meets the wonderful Sarah Troughton, custodian of one of Scotland’s most enchanting stately homes - Blair Castle. In the episode, Sarah reveals how the Dukes of Atholl, who once called Blair their home, inherited the title of Lord of Mann - head of state of the Isle of Man. The Duchess is given the background on the Atholl Highlanders - Europe’s last private army, and we’re introduced to a former custodian who was not only the first female minister of state, but who also stood against Hitler.

Top Quotes:

“My greatest ambition with Blair Castle is to keep everything in tact but also to move with the times.” - Sarah Troughton

“My advice to future custodians is to enjoy it. Remember to get to know everyone. Be observant, conserve and introduce new ideas.” - Sarah Troughton

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Sarah Troughton is a half-sister of the late Iain, 10th Duke of Atholl and she is the Head Trustee of the Blair Atholl Estate. Sarah is descended from a long line of incredible women. She was also the 21st Grand Master of the Keepers of the Quaich: an exclusive and international society that recognises those that have shown outstanding commitment to the Scotch Whisky industry. Her husband is the architect Jamie Troughton.

Blair Castle is one of Scotland's greatest castles, seated in the Highlands of Scotland near the village of Blair Atholl in Perthshire. It is the ancestral home of the Murray Clan, and was historically the seat of their chieftain, the Duke of Atholl. The castle is a category A listed building, and the grounds are included in the Inventory of Gardens and Designed Landscapes in Scotland, the national listing of significant gardens. Blair is also the home to the Atholl Highlanders which is the only remaining private army in Europe, and act as the personal bodyguard to the Dukes of Atholl.

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://blair-castle.co.uk/

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

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

Episode Description:

On this exciting episode of Duchess, Emma meets the custodian of one of Britain’s greatest stately homes: The Marchioness Townshend of Raynham Hall. In this episode, we learn about the fascinating story of how the city of Sydney was named after a Townshend. The Duchess hears how Lord ‘Turnip’ Townshend ushered in an agricultural revolution at Raynham, and we are given the full story behind the world’s best known ghost photograph!

Top Quotes:

“You can not dictate the future of a home. All you can do is love it and look after it now.” - Lady Townshend

“Traditionally, these houses would have had recitals for every group of people that they had visiting. Music is in the DNA of grand homes.” - The Duchess of Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Raynham Hall is a country house located in the glorious countryside of Norfolk. For nearly 400 years it has been the seat of the Townshend family. Born Alison Combs, Lady Townshend is the current custodian of Raynham with her husband Charles Townshend, 8th Marquess Townshend. The couple share four children. Lady Townshend was the editor of The North Norfolk Informer which she co-founded.

Work started on Raynham Hall in 1619 commissioned by Sir Roger Townshend and is considered "one of the outstanding country houses of the period.“ Architecturally, Raynham is a neo-classical house and features a particularly striking marble hall - where classical concerts are held. Raynham Hall is the site for perhaps the most famous ghost of all time, taken by photographers for Country Life - the photo of the famous ‘Brown Lady’ descending the staircase.

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://raynhamhall.com/

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

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

Episode Description:

Listen in as the Duchess meets Claire Watson-Armstrong of the magnificent Bamburgh Castle. In this epsiode, we learn why Bamburgh is considered one of the greatest archeological sites in Great Britain, we are introduced to the many ghosts that are said to still walk castle halls, and Claire explains why Bamburgh Castle has been a centre for innovation.

Top Quotes:

“I love the interiors of Bamburgh Castle. Bits of the castle are Norman, are victorian, are more modern. But its all a collection of different eras - a wonderful potpurri.” - Claire Watson-Armstrong

“I would love to bring recognition to this castle and tell the story of the people who made it what it is. If I could do that - I would be very happy.” - Claire Watson-Armstrong

“My advice to the generations ahead would be to carve your own path, be respectful, and don’t procrastinate.” - Claire Watson-Armstrong

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Claire Watson-Armstrong is the current custodian of Bamburgh Castle along with her husband Francis. Francis Armstrong is the 5th generation of Armstrongs to reside at Bamburgh - the estate having come under the family’s stewardship since it was purchased by William, 1st Baron Armstrong in 1984. Mrs. Watson-Armstrong and her husband have been together for 18 years and married in 2020. Claire is also a PR Consultant with her own company ‘Impact PR & Marketing’ which she founded in 2006.

Bamburgh Castle’s earliest recorded history begins around 547AD with the Anglo Saxon Kings. The original stronghold of Bamburgh Castle was built by Ida the Flamebearer. In 1095, William the Conquerer’s son, Rufus, erected the mighty keep. For several centuries Bamburgh was owned by a number of kings; Henry III, Edward I, Edward II, Edward III. Bamburgh was also home to Henry VI during the War of the Roses. Eventually the castle went into private ownership and would become a centre for innovation & philanthropy. The first coastguard system was developed there by Dr. John Sharp, with the first lifeboat launched from the coast. The industrialist & inventor Lord Armstrong would eventually purchase the castle and conducted significant restoration of the castle.

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.bamburghcastle.com/

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

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

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

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

Welcome back to Season 3 of Duchess! - the podcast where the Duchess of Rutland explores the historic homes of Great Britain & Ireland, and meets the inspiring women who lead them today.

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.

Stately homes are manors, palaces, and castles of great historic significance. They were built by the finest architects, adorned with the finest treasures and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. They homed the most powerful families and, with their wealth and social pedigree, shaped the world we live in today.

Emma grew up far away from the aristocracy but her life changed forever when she married her husband - the 11th Duke of Rutland - and moved into Belvoir Castle. At once Emma became both a Duchess and custodian of one of Britain's most important buildings.

The Duchess wanted to learn more about this world, these homes, and the other empowering women who, just like her, work tirelessly to ensure they see tomorrow.

In this podcast the Duchess will travel to breathtaking homes, learn the epic tales of their construction, meet the historic figures that walked their halls, hear chilling ghost stories and the heartbreaking tales of romance. All of this whilst getting to know the inspiring, powerful women that work to find the delicate balance between preservation and transformation.

Join Emma on a very special journey. This is Duchess, the podcast.

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In these ‘Memories’ episodes, Emma has selected some of her most treasured memories from the Duchess podcast.

This week, Lady Derby of Knowsley and the Duchess discuss the unforeseen challenges, and even some of the surprising benefits, of running a stately home during the pandemic.

In the full episode, Lady Derby speaks to The Duchess about the impressive Stanley family lineage, the ladies discuss the estates astounding connection to Shakespeare, and we are given insight into the equestrian pedigree of at Knowsley Hall.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lady-derby-of-knowsley-hall/id1551120994?i=1000510554083

Resources:

https://knowsleyhallvenue.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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

In these ‘Memories’ episodes, Emma has selected some of her most treasured memories from the Duchess podcast.

This time we are revisiting Kinnaird Castle, where the Duchess met Caroline Fife, Duchess of Fife, to talk about the history of empowering women at the estate.

In the full episode, the Duchesses speak extensively about the estate’s rebellious history, listeners catch a glimpse of the magnificent art collection in the castle, and we learn about the many groundbreaking conservation projects that are being developed at the estate.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-duchess-of-fife-at-kinnaird-castle/id1551120994?i=1000514306859

Resources:

https://kinnairdcastle.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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