The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

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   Number 1: Passing It On: Lady Carnarvon talks to Michael and Clare Morpurgo about War Horse, Farms for City Children and Down Burrow Lane

   I welcomed one of my hero authors, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare, to Highclere Castle to talk about storytelling, history, the magic of reading, and the extraordinary charity they founded together — Farms for City Children. Michael shared how War Horse came to life and why understanding the First World War matters more than ever today. We recalled the unforgettable day Joey, the National Theatre's War Horse puppet, came to Highclere in 2014 — walking through the very library where Almina, my predecessor, had nursed soldiers back from the trenches a century before. Michael told the wonderful story behind Farms for City Children — how Clare, a childhood afternoon let loose near a Devon farm, courtesy of her father Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, sparked a lifetime's passion for the countryside, and how that passion became a charity that has given over 120,000 inner-city children a week of real farm life. We explored the importance of books and reading, handwriting, the friendship with Ted Hughes, the honest editorial partnership between Michael and Clare, and my own plans for a Highclere Literary Festival this October. We ended with Michael's dream summer evening guest: the radiant Audrey Hepburn. 00:00 Welcome & Introduction 02:10 War Horse & Joey Comes to Highclere 06:30 History, World War I & Why It Still Matters 13:15 The Origins of Farms for City Children 21:45 A Real Farm — Not a Pretend Farm 28:00 Highclere: Farm, History & the Fifth Earl 33:20 The Power of Reading & the Literary Festival 38:10 Writing by Hand, Ted Hughes & the iPad 44:00 Editing, Marriage & Telling the Truth 49:30 Dream Party Guest: Audrey Hepburn Topics Covered War Horse & HighclereThe origins of War Horse and why Michael believes we must understand history to navigate the presentLady Carnarvon recalls the day Joey, the War Horse puppet from the National Theatre, came to Highclere in 2014 to mark the centenary of World War IHighclere Castle served as a real military hospital during World War I — Lady Carnarvon's predecessor, Almina, nursed soldiers back from the trenchesThe contrast with the fictional Downton Abbey and the very real human stories preserved in letters at HighclereHistory, War & ResponsibilityMichael reflects on why the First World War is so important — and how it directly caused the SecondThe role of individuals and political movements in triggering conflict, from Sarajevo to the rise of HitlerWhy Michael feels it is "timely" to revisit these lessons today, given the state of the worldSeeing War Horse in the theatre the night before recording — and what it still means to himFarms for City ChildrenClare's childhood inspiration: sent outside to explore as a young girl near a Devon farm, she fell in love with the countryside, animals, and the rhythm of rural lifeHer father, Allen Lane, founder of Penguin Books, instilled a love of the natural worldWhy Clare and Michael left teaching after realising they weren't reaching the children who needed them mostHow the charity started with one Victorian farmhouse in Devon and has since grown to multiple working farmsOver 120,000 children have now spent a week on a real farm — milking cows, feeding lambs, grooming horses, doing genuine workMeeting former "farm children" now aged 45 with families of their own, who say the experience never left themHighclere Today — A Living EstateFarming records at Highclere dating back to the 16th century; earliest written records from 749 ADLady Carnarvon's rare breed Cornish pigs, Belted Galloway cattle, 1,400 ewes, and 2,500 lambsThe Iron Age Fort and Bronze Age Tumuli on the estateWilliam of Wykeham (1324–1404) — bishop and founder of Winchester College and New College, Oxford — lived at Highclere; it was his palaceThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon, who discovered the Tomb of Tutankhamun, was a voracious reader; his will, written at 21, listed his books as among his most prized possessionsThe Power of Reading & WritingWhy books matter: they let children ask questions, explore mortality, understand the world, and feel less aloneMichael's beach anecdote — watching his granddaughter's husband read to their one-year-old, with the baby turning the pages back — as a perfect image of how the love of books is passed onThe importance of parents reading aloud, good libraries, and physical booksLady Carnarvon's Highclere Literary Festival — launching this October, with:A children's trail through the gardens (including a wardrobe inspired by Narnia and an entrance to fairyland)The Curious Tent and Speaker's CornerWriting and reading competitions with cash prizesFree entry for under-16s who have read a book or written somethingLady Carnarvon's campaign for handwriting — the link between brain, hand, and penTed Hughes, Writing by Hand & TechnologyMichael's lifelong habit of writing by hand — and how arthritis in his finger has forced a reluctant move to an iPadNeighbour and friend Ted Hughes on why handwriting matters: it keeps the mind and the process in syncMichael's delight at discovering he can dictate to his iPad ("It prints it out magically")Editing, Marriage & HonestyClare as Michael's first editor — "quite unfairly truthful" — and why he always takes her notes even when he doesn't want toThe ongoing verdict: nothing he's written in the 65 books since War Horse has matched itLady Carnarvon's husband editing her first book and his well-meaning but devastating comment: "Don't worry if nobody reads it — you've still tried very hard"A Summer Evening QuestionIf you could take anyone to Lady Carnarvon's summer jazz evening, who would it be?Clare: Gregory PeckMichael: Audrey Hepburn (Roman Holiday)A discussion of Audrey Hepburn's extraordinary grace — and how grace itself is something both Michael and Lady Carnarvon seek in their work and livesMentioned in This EpisodeWar Horse — Michael Morpurgo (novel, stage production, Steven Spielberg film)Waiting for Anya — Michael MorpurgoThe History Boys — Alan BennettFarms for City Children — farmsforcitvchildren.orgHighclere Literary Festival — October 2025, Highclere CastleAllen Lane — founder of Penguin BooksAlmina, Countess of Carnarvon — WWI hospital at HighclereWilliam of Wykeham — founder of Winchester College and New College, OxfordThe fifth Earl of Carnarvon — discoverer of Tutankhamun's tombTed Hughes — poet, neighbour of the MorpurgosRoman Holiday (1953) — dir. William Wyler, starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory PeckAbout Lady Carnarvon's Podcast Lady Carnarvon records her podcast from Highclere Castle, home of the real family whose story inspired Downton Abbey. Episodes explore history, heritage, literature, and the people and ideas that have shaped Highclere and the wider world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

   September 01, 2026·36min
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   Number 2: Survival of the Friendliest: Lady Carnarvon talks to Rutger Bregman about the "real" Lord of the Flies and the power of kindness

   I welcome Dutch historian Rutger Bregman to the podcast after first messaging him on Instagram and we talk about what I took from his book Humankind and my own wish to bring people together to remember friendship and kindness. Rutger reflects on Dutch directness and equality shaped by living with water, from the 1953 flood to the Delta Works, and shares why he writes for a general audience about big questions of human nature. We discuss his challenge to the “veneer theory” and his belief in “survival of the friendlies,” alongside a real shipwreck story near Tonga where six boys survived 15 months through cooperation. Our conversation turns to bullying, family and attachment, the Second World War and Rutger’s research for Moral Ambition on how resistance spreads simply by asking others to help. 01:10 Dutch Culture and Directness 04:01 Water Engineering and Delta Works 05:41 Early Civilizations and Conflict 06:58 Why Bregman Writes Big History 08:12 Debunking Human Nature Myths 10:07 Cooperation at Highclere Today 12:49 Tempest and Amoral People 13:55 Real Lord of the Flies Story 19:00 Bullying Attachment and Family 21:41 Victorian Fathers Revisited 22:40 Reform Politics And Women 23:28 Why Study War 24:04 Resistance Myth Debunked 25:24 Heroes Are Asked 27:29 Unconventional Organizers 30:25 Kindness After Loss 32:19 Kindness Is Contagious 35:03 Lessons From Animals 36:18 Veneer Theory And Dickens 37:59 British Indirectness You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

   June 01, 2026·42min
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   Number 3: Our man in Libya and Iran: Lady Carnarvon joins Nicholas Hopton to talk diplomacy, travel and Foreign Service.

   In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Foreign Office career and his approach to languages, including learning Arabic across postings such as Morocco, Yemen, Qatar and Libya, along with French, Italian, Spanish, some German, and some Farsi ahead of becoming ambassador to Iran after the 2015 nuclear deal and the reopening of the British embassy. Nick explains how a friend’s suggestion to look beyond Chianti led serendipitously to the first house they viewed and ultimately boughtalongside the realities of renovating abroad: high costs, practical challenges, and the highs and lows of making a place work for family life. We also talk about his unexpected love of landscaping and working with a skilled digger operator he calls “Michelangelo,” the region’s food, wine, local olive oil and its strong Tuscan accent. Nick recounts a memorable moment when a friend arrived with an armed escort and the town’s mayor turned out to greet them, and he updates me on ongoing projects, including drilling a 97-meter well to reach a fresh aquifer. Looking ahead, Nick describes writing best in the relative isolation of the Italian house and shares his interest in writing more broadly about the Mediterranean, linked to his role creating a new program at the University of Cambridge Centre for Geopolitics. We touch on the Napoleonic history of the area, including the principality of Piombino and Lucca and Napoleon’s sister Elisa and end with a playful question about a dream dance guest Nick chooses Dante’s Beatrice, reflecting his early love of Dante’s poetry and its lifelong influence. 00:00 Meet Nick Hopton & the book ‘Marma Mia’ (restoring a house in Italy) 00:50 Inspired by ‘A Year in Provence’: writing a feel-good travel memoir during COVID 01:59 Diplomatic life & learning languages: Arabic, French, Italian (and more) 04:26 Why you should speak the local language (even with bad grammar) 05:17 Falling for Tuscany’s Maremma: the serendipitous house-buying story 07:42 Renovation reality: highs, lows, and why the Maremma stays authentic 08:44 Landscaping obsession: diggers, Kubotas, and ‘Michelangelo’ the operator 11:05 Food, wine & dialect: tomatoes, olive oil, and the Tuscan accent 12:49 Small-town surprises: the ambassador friend visit and the mayor’s welcome 13:43 The work never ends: is the villa project ever really finished? 14:01 Digging a 97m Well & the Never-Ending House Project 14:27 What’s Next After the Book: A Wider Mediterranean Focus 14:58 Seeing the Mediterranean Holistically (Cambridge Geopolitics & Trade Routes) 16:26 Duff Cooper, John Julius Norwich & Highclere’s Colorful Guests 17:20 Writing Habits: Tuscany, Isolation, Rhythm & Beating Procrastination 18:37 Italy, Maremma & Napoleonic History: Elisa and the Principality of Piombino and Lucca 20:30 Diplomatic Postings & Reopening the UK Embassy in Iran (2015) 23:09 Iran Today: Regime Weakness, Protests, and a Hope to Visit the Cradle of Civilization 24:21 Highclere’s Library, the Book Club, and a Shared Love of Italy 25:27 Finale: The Summer Dance Fantasy Guest—Dante, Beatrice & Vita Nova You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

   March 01, 2026·28min
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   Number 4: Love changes everything at the Real Downton Abbey: Lady Carnarvon meets BGT Winner Colin Thackery MBE

   Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his military service and his newfound fame with captivating stories of bravery, love, and resilience. 00:49 Colin's MBE Award Journey 05:49 Life at the Royal Hospital 09:32 Britain's Got Talent Experience 15:44 Reflecting on Joan's Legacy 16:12 Early Marriage and Military Life 17:22 Family and Cultural Heritage 18:51 Royal Artillery and Highclere Event 22:24 Musical Journey and Britain's Got Talent 25:09 Post-Army Career and Civilian Life 29:05 Meeting Jo and New Beginnings You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

   February 01, 2026·32min
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   Number 5: New Year at the real Downton Abbey: Lord and Lady Carnarvon look forward and reflect.

   In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, and our special Viking cruise. Highlights include our successful charity efforts, advancements in our gin business and the addition of our adorable new spaniel puppies. Here's to a happy and prosperous 2026 for everyone! 00:00 Welcome and New Year Reflections 00:26 Challenges of 2025 01:03 A Memorable Weekend to Remember 03:32 The Grand Finale Premiere 04:59 Racing Highlights and Future Plans 06:20 Business and Farming Challenges 08:57 Exciting Upcoming Events 11:55 Highclere Castle Gin's Global Recognition 12:57 New Additions and Future Projects 16:33 Concluding Thoughts and New Year Wishes You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

   January 01, 2026·18min
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