Independence Day Celebration - The Men who Lost America

Speakers (TBC)

Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Dr Stephen Lloyd, Norman S Poser, Richard Middleton

1. The role of Lord George Germain as chief architect of the American Revolutionary war. He was the youngest and favourite son of the Duke of Dorset and became Secretary of State to the Colonies in 1775 to King George III.

2. The life of ‘Gentleman Johnny’ Burgoyne and his role in the Battle of Saratoga in 1777, General Burgoyne eloped with the youngest daughter of the 12th Earl, Lady Charlotte Stanley, when she was 15 years old, but was later reconciled to the family and came back to live at Knowsley.

3. The role of Charles, Earl Cornwallis, who was the General leading the English troops at the Battle of Yorktown 1781. He later became Marquess and was appointed Governor-General of India and Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

4. The 12th Earl of Derby shared a love of France and the theatre with his uncle, General Burgoyne, who wrote the play ‘The Maid of the Oaks’ for the engagement in 1774 of Lord Stanley to Lady Elizabeth Hamilton, daughter of the 6th Duke of Hamilton. Burgoyne’s second wife, the actress Susan Caulfield, was a friend of Eliza Farren, the celebrated comic actress, and future second wife of the 12th Earl.

The Men Who Lost America

Exclusive History Seminar

In 2026, the USA will mark the 250th anniversary of the 1776 United States Declaration of Independence.

The loss of America was a stunning and unexpected defeat for the powerful British Empire. This unique study day in 2025 will focus on three of the key men who lost America at Knowsley Hall, home to the Earl and Countess of Derby. You will hear more about George Sackville Germain, General John Burgoyne, General Charles Cornwallis and learn about their stories and their families. There will be a dinner in the State Dining Room to celebrate the Declaration signing.

The Cornwallis Sword is believed to be the sword offered by Cornwallis as a symbol of the surrender of British armed forces and during your stay at Knowsley Hall, you will have the extraordinary experience of viewing the sword close up, in a way that is not normally made available to the public.

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