Episode Description:

In this episode, the Duchess meets online with Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall & Sanctuary. The Duchess talks to Paris about the trailblazing transformation she’s leading at the estate, we learn about the Victorian ‘wonder woman’ who lived at Broughton, and Emma discuss with Paris, some of the important sustainability projects they are developing on the estate.

Top Quotes:

“I really hope that we can be a lighthouse. A beacon of hope that shines out to anyone in need for people from all walks of life & backgrounds. That’s what I want Broughton Hall to become.” - Paris Ackrill

“What becoming a custodian has taught me is that: 'with privilege comes responsibility'.” - Paris Ackrill

About the Guest and Stately Home:

Paris Ackrill is the current custodian of Broughton Hall with her partner Roger Tempest, she previously worked as an artist. Roger descended from the Tempest Baronets who have lived at Broughton Hall for 32 generations. The couple have one child together. Paris & Roger are co-founders of the Avalon Wellbeing Centre at Broughton. Paris is also a wellbeing guide, dedicated to the path of spiritual and personal growth through a holistic and embodied approach.

Broughton Hall is a grade 1 listened 16th century country house in Yorkshire. The house is an Elizabethan construction, enveloped in Georgian 19th century elaborations of pale golden stone. It resides at the centre of a 3000 acre estate, including farmland, woodland, moorland, meadows and views of the Yorkshire Dales. The Broughton Hall Estate has been home to the Tempest family since 1097. The Tempest's are believed to have come to England from Normandy during William the Conqueror’s 1066 invasion of England, and were given land in thanks for their support during the invasion. The Tempests are one of England’s oldest Catholic landed families. Roger’s sisters Bridget and Annie are artists. Annie is best known for her 'Tottering-by-Gently' cartoons for Country Life magazine, which features a family of eccentric aristocrats.

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.broughtonhall.co.uk/

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/

Follow @avalonwellbeing & @broughtonsanctaury on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/broughtonsanctuary/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/avalonwellbeing/?hl=en

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