In March 1939 a group of 23 children and their two adult guardians stepped off a coach in Waddesdon village, Buckinghamshire. 

The arrivals were Jewish refugees who had escaped Nazi Germany, where they had been forced to leave behind their homes and loved ones. 

With support from their sponsors James and Dorothy de Rothschild and the local community, the children began a new life in England.

Presenter Diane Kenwood uncovers an extraordinary story of survival and hope in one of history’s darkest periods, and with the help of their families retraces the steps of the Cedar Children.

Host: Diane Kenwood

Producer: Michelle Douglass

Sound editor: Jesus Gomez

The Association of Jewish Refugees (AJR)

Read more about the Kindertransport: www.ajrrefugeevoices.org.uk/Historical-Background

Explore the AJR’s interactive UK Holocaust map: www.ukholocaustmap.org.uk/ 

Visiting Waddesdon

Find out more about the history and visiting experience at Waddesdon house and gardens:  waddesdon.org.uk/ 

The Jewish Country Houses project

Read about the Jewish Country Houses research project led by the University of Oxford:  jch.history.ox.ac.uk/home

A major publication based on the Jewish Country Houses research project is currently being prepared for publication in 2024 by Profile Books in association with the National Trust

The Country Houses, Jewish Homes mobile exhibition will be on display at the following National Trust properties in autumn 2023.

Upton House –  'Country Houses, Jewish Homes' | National Trust

Ightham Mote – Exhibition: Jewish Country Homes | National Trust 

The consultant for this episode was Marcus Roberts, founder of JTrails - Jewish Heritage Routes: www.jtrails.org.uk/   

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