Hidden Heritage

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

On this week’s Memory, we look back to when the Duchess met Catherine Maxwell Stuart of Traquair House and spoke about the 1000 years of Scottish History at the estate and the future of Scotland going forward.

In the full episode, we learn what it’s like to be the first Lady Laird of Traquair, we hear the tale behind the famous ‘closed gates’ of Traquair (and why tradition states they must always remain closed), and Catherine educates the Duchess on the most important feature of a Scottish home: A watchtower.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/catherine-maxwell-stuart-of-traquair-house/id1551120994?i=1000516224076

Resources:

https://www.traquair.co.uk/about-traquair/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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

On this week’s Memory, we revisit when Emma met Hollywood actress and Countess of Devon, A.J. Devon, where the Countess opened up about the initially challenging adjustment to life with a title and an estate.

In the full episode, the Duchess learns about the splendid history Powderham castle, why LGBTQ rights are at the heart of the estates mission, and The Countess reflects on her career in Hollywood.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-countess-of-devon-at-powderham-castle/id1551120994?i=1000512481854

Resources:

https://www.powderham.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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

This week, we revisit Blenheim Palace where the Duchess and Lady Henrietta Spencer Churchill discussed the challenge of modernising stately homes.

In the full episode, we hear how the Palace came to be against all odds, the ladies talk about Henrietta’s distinguished lineage and her memories of Winston Churchill, and we are taken on a tour of the incredible architecture and interiors of Blenheim.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lady-henrietta-spencer-churchill-of-blenheim-palace/id1551120994?i=1000509616809

Resources:

https://www.blenheimpalace.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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

On this week’s Memory, we listen back to when The Duchess met to Lady Mansfield of Scone Palace and heard the moving story of one of Britain’s first black aristocrats: Elizabeth Dido Bell.

In the full episode Lady Mansfield and The Duchess speak about the incredible contributions the first Earl Mansfield made to racial equality, we learn about the Stone of Destiny and how central Scone was in crowing Scottish royalty, and Lady Mansfield explains the origins behind one of Scone’s great treasures: Marie Antoinette’s writing desk.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/lady-mansfield-of-scone-palace/id1551120994?i=1000511515822

Resources:

https://scone-palace.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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

This week we look back to when Emma met Her Grace, The Duchess of Argyll, and we heard the story of the iconic 20th century beauty Ethel Margaret Campbell.

In the full episode, The Duchess of Argyll takes us inside her fabulous home: the historic Inveraray Castle. We learn all about the ghostly history that lives inside the imposing 15th century walls, we learn of Inveraray’s connection to Britain’s most treasured of chocolatiers, and the ladies discuss how such a powerful title can impact one’s personal identity.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-duchess-of-argyll-at-inveraray-castle/id1551120994?i=1000513499727

Resources:

https://www.inveraray-castle.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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In these special bonus episodes, Emma has selected some of her most treasured memories from the Duchess podcast.

This week, we have Demetra Lindsay of Hedingham Castle and the Duchess discussing some of the friendly ghosts that enchant their estates.

In the full episode we learn about the incredible history of the UK’s greatest preserved Norman Keep, we hear a beautiful love story that challenged the social norms of it’s day, and we take a tour down the wonderful gardens of Hedingham.

Listen to the full episode here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/demetra-lindsay-of-hedingham-castle/id1551120994?i=1000507647002

Resources:

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

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

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Episode Description: 

On this very special festive episode of the podcast, our Duchess is joined by her daughter Eliza to speak about their historic home: Belvoir Castle. In the show, the Duchess reveals all about her own background, we learn about Belvoir’s ‘forbidden place’, the ladies discuss the chilling ghostly encounters they’ve had in their home, and we hear why it's so magical to spend Christmas in a castle. 

Top Quotes:

"I've felt, from every woman I've met through making this podcast, such a great sense of passion and duty." - The Duchess

"On that very sofa in this room, Winston Churchill was sat when he heard of King Edward VIII's abdication. Aunt Hersey always remembered the tears rolling down his cheeks." - The Duchess

"One of the unique things that has happened with covid is that people have reconnected with their big house on the hill. We've had this huge surge in people local to us reconnecting with Belvoir again. That has been very special." - The Duchess

"Christmas is so magical here because Belvoir is a party place. So, on occasions when you have the castle full of friends and family, it really twinkles." - The Duchess

About the Stately Home:

Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir. Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the iconic architect, designed the remodelled Castle built between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is said to be one of the finest examples of Regency architecture globally. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.

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.onefineplay.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

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Episode Description : 

In our final episode of season 2, the Duchess of Rutland meets Karen, Countess Spencer of the historic Althorp. In this episode, we are introduce to the many extraordinary women of the Spencer family. Lady Spencer regales us the some of the ghostly activity she and her family have experienced at Althorp, and Karen and the Duchess discuss their shared love of cows!

Top Quotes:

"It takes a long time to understand these houses. I think the danger in a place like this, is to come in and change things without taking the time to really understand the history that came before it, and the more I learn the more reverence I have." - Lady Spencer

"Some of these places are very old fashioned and some of the people working in them are very old fashioned. So it took a bit of rejigging to make sure we had the right team that were prepared for a modern working couple who make decisions together." - Lady Spencer

"Being in heritage has taught me patience." - Lady Spencer

"Understanding why a home is built the way it is, is so key because then you get under the skin of it. Then it's no longer your ego dictating what you do - the house almost talks to you with its own voice." - Emma Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Karen, Countess Spencer is a Canadian social entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Whole Child International, a U.S - based non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to improve the quality of care for vulnerable children. In June 2011, Karen married Charles Spencer, 9th Earl Spencer at Althorp.

Althorp is a 13,000-acre stately home in Northamptonshire, that has been the seat of the Spencer family since 1508. Althorp House is Grade I listed, consisting of 90 rooms, which house one of England’s finest art collections, including Van Dyck's War and Peace, a John de Critz portrait of King James I and works by Lely. The grounds of Althorp contain 28 listed buildings and structures, including nine planting stones. In 1788, the house was refaced by Henry Holland, replacing the 16th century red brick with Weldon stone, and adding Corinthian pilasters to the front of the house. Andre Le Notre, the landscape designer responsible for Versailles & Vaux le Vicomte, also designed the gardens at Althorp. One of Althorp’s most impressive features, is the 115-foot picture gallery, which retains the original Tudor wood panelling.

About the House:

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.

Sources:

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https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

https://althorpestate.com/

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Episode Description: 

On this week’s episode, the Duchess of Rutland speaks with Lady Northampton who is a custodian of two historic homes: Compton Wynyates & Castle Ashby. In the show, the Duchess learns how one of Henry’s VIII’s closest confidants helped build the Spencer family line, Lady Northampton elaborates on why Compton Wynyates is such an architecturally unique place, and we are introduced to the unpublished female poet that was admired by Wordsworth and Sir Walter Scott. 

Top Quotes:

"I'm very keen on creating a harmonious atmosphere in these incredible places. I like to think that I create an atmosphere at Compton where the staff and team there feel like we are all part of one family." - Lady Tracy Northampton

"In heritage, it's so integral that you retain the essence of what you are, what you believe in, what you stand for. If you lose your roots as a human being you can't fulfil the role because the role is not true to who you are." - The Duchess of Rutland

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Lady Tracy Northampton is a trained psychotherapist and yoga teacher. She married her husband, Spencer Compton, 7th Marquess of Northampton in 2013. The couple live full time in Compton Wynyates which is an extremely well preserved Tudor Mansion. Unlike all other homes in the series, Compton Wynyates is not open to the public. 

Compton Wynyates is a Tudor country house in Warwickshire, England, a Grade I listed building. The Tudor period house is constructed of red brick and built around a central courtyard. Compton House was erected by Sir William Compton c1520, allegedly on the site of an earlier Tudor building. The early 16th century house is now considered one of the best examples of the picturesque irregular Early Tudor style in England. In 1572, Elizabeth I stayed in the house. In 1617 James I spent a night at the house. 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:

To find out more about our sponsor CircleDNA, visit their website here

To learn more about Abercrombie & Kent, visit their website here

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

https://www.castleashbygardens.co.uk/

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

Episode Description: 

On this week’s special episode, the Duchess of Rutland speaks to Catherine Fitzgerald of Glin Castle in Ireland. In the show, Catherine regales some of the wonderful and amusing legends associated with her family, we catch a glimpse of the ghosts of Glin, and Catherine opens about the unexpected nature of her custodianship. 

Top Quotes:

"Glin Castle is part of an architectural golden period in Ireland. It was built when most of Georgian Dublin was built. There was a surge in building, decoration, and the arts. Glin is part of a moment of optimism." — Catherine 

"I was never brought up to take Glin Castle on. My father thought he would leave it to a preservation trust but they weren't able to take it on. So, it was really my passion, my love for it, that drove my decision to take Glin Castle off the market." - Catherine 

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Catherine Fitzgerald is an Irish landscape designer and gardener who is also a member of the FitzGerald ‘dynasty’: An historic, aristocratic Anglo-Hiberno family based in Ireland. She is the daughter of Desmond FitzGerald, 29th and last Knight of Glin. Catherine married her current husband, actor Dominic West, in 2010 and the couple now live on the estate. Today, Catherine runs Glin Castle as an events venue. 

Glin Castle is a Georgian country house and national heritage site located along the River Shannon in Glin, County Limerick, Ireland. The castle has belonged to the FitzMaurice/FitzGerald family for over 700 years and was the seat of the Knights of Glin. In the 14th century the Lord of Desmond elevated an illegitimate son to the hereditary knighthood of Glin. He built Glin Castle, which became the permanent seat of the Knights of Glin. The Knights are associated with a number of well known legends and myths and the family has remained politically and culturally a hugely significant family in Irish society.

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:

To find out more about our sponsor CircleDNA, visit their website here

To learn more about Abercrombie & Kent, visit their website here

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

https://www.glin-castle.com/

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