Spring 2025 – Newsletter
The Countess of Derby’s Living History Society
Spring Newsletter 2025
Spring at Knowsley Hall
There is something truly magical about witnessing spring arrive at Knowsley Hall. The estate awakens from winter's embrace as blue skies stretch across our historic landscape. Our fields welcome new life as lamb season begins, their playful bounds a reminder of nature's beautiful cycle. The gardens are buzzing with activity as we prepare for the summer months ahead, with promises of long, warm days to enjoy the splendour of our grounds. After the quietude of winter, this renewal brings such joy to all who visit and reside in Knowsley Park.
It has been a very busy time for me as I prepare for not only the launch of my new book on the 14th Earl of Derby, with a whistle stop Lecture tour of some of the most interesting literary clubs & members associations in the U.S., together with the launch of a new podcast series called Tribute honouring great men and women in history and our upcoming History Festivals at Knowsley Hall.
I am also delighted to let you know that I will be giving a talk at Chalke History Festival on the Monday the 23rd June and I look forward to meeting old friends and new in this idyllic summer gathering of History Lovers.
In the meantime, I have lots for you to enjoy this Spring.
The Countess of Derby
knowsley
SPRING AT KNOWSLEY
The annual Spring Clean at Knowsley Hall is well underway! Our dedicated team of conservators and household staff are meticulously caring for centuries of history, from carefully cleaning delicate historic curtains and tapestries to polishing the finest silver. This annual tradition ensures that Knowsley's treasures are preserved for future generations while allowing our visitors to experience the Hall in all its glory when we reopen for the season.
The gardens and parkland are truly spectacular at this time of year, with thousands of daffodils creating a golden carpet throughout the estate. These cheerful harbingers of spring seem to dance in the gentle breeze, creating a breathtaking display against the historic backdrop of the Hall. Do visit us to experience this natural wonder— the perfect antidote to winter's lingering chill.
HISTORY
LAUNCH OF NEW BOOK: NORTH AMERICAN TOUR JOURNAL 1824-1825
I am thrilled to announce the upcoming publication of "A North American Tour Journal 1824-1825: The Making of a Prime Minister," which chronicles the remarkable journey of Edward Geoffrey Stanley, later the 14th Earl of Derby and three-time Prime Minister to Queen Victoria of Great Britain. In July 1824, young MP Edward Geoffrey Stanley arrived in New York City after a nearly five-week voyage from Liverpool. His political career had encountered early challenges, and he was forbidden to marry the woman he loved. This "banishment," as Stanley termed it, would become one of the most formative experiences of his life.
From July 1824 into March 1825, Stanley travelled extensively throughout the eastern half of North America, studying every aspect of the towns and countryside he passed through. The complex interactions between Catholic French and Protestant British neighbours in Canada, the horrifying lives of enslaved people in the U.S. South, the poverty of Irish immigrants in the north, and the degradation of Native Americans everywhere—all left deep impressions that would shape his future career as a political reformer and distinguished statesman.
In one particularly prescient observation from his journal, Stanley wrote: "We might even in time perhaps have a black President." This remarkable insight came nearly 200 years before Barack Obama's historic election, demonstrating Stanley's forward-thinking perspective.
9th—17th MARCH / 5th APRIL — 5th MAY 2025
AMERICAN BOOK TOUR
I will be embarking on two exciting journeys to America this spring to share the story of the 14th Earl's transformative American experience. My first visit will be from 9-17 March, followed by an extensive tour from 5 April to 5 May. Both tours will feature lectures and book signings at prestigious literary clubs across the country, where I'll be discussing how the lessons from history bring light to our world today.
March Tour Highlights:
Wednesday, 12 March: University of Virginia Club, Orlando, Florida
Friday, 14 March: English Speaking Union Welcome Dinner, Alfond Hotel, Winter Park, Florida
Saturday, 15 March: English Speaking Union Gala Dinner, Alfond Hotel, Winter Park, Florida
April-May Tour Highlights:
Tuesday, 8 April: Society of Four Arts, Palm Beach
Wednesday, 9 April: The Brook Club, private members club, New York
Thursday, 10 April: The Colony Club, private members club, New York
Saturday, 12 April: Gore Place, Boston
Tuesday, 15 April: Union Club, private members club, Boston
Wednesday, 16 April: American Philosophical Society, Philadelphia
Thursday, 24 April: Charleston Library Society
Monday, 28 April: Monticello, Charlottesville
Tuesday, 29 April: Metropolitan Club, private members club, Washington, DC
Wednesday, 30 April: Pendennis Club, private members club, Louisville
I am particularly grateful to have been the guest of honour at the English Speaking Union Gala dinner celebrating Quinn Peeper's remarkable 40 years as President of the English Speaking Union in America.
I will be accompanied on the Book Tour by my colleague and noted scholar, Professor Andrew O'Shaughnessy, who is Professor of History at the University of Virginia and expert on the American Revolution. He was the former Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith Center for Jefferson Studies at Monticello and Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation. He has been a Visiting International Fellow at the Wilberforce Institute, University of Hull, and is currently Visiting Fellow at Magdalen College.
The book will be available for purchase on Amazon from Thursday, 1st May 2025.
This work represents years of research and passion, and I look forward to sharing this important historical narrative with you all.
RISE UP, RESISTANCE, REVOLUTION, ABOLITION
FITZWILLIAM MUSEUM APPOINTMENT
I am deeply honoured to have been appointed to the Syndicate of the Fitzwilliam Museum in Cambridge. Their current exhibition, "Rise Up, Resistance, Revolution, Abolition," is a powerful exploration of pivotal historical movements that have shaped our world.
LIVING HISTORY PODCAST
HONORING A LEGACY: THE TRIBUTE PODCAST
I have been busier than ever working with the most interesting historians, scholars & academics to bring you insightful stories from my world of Living History and stories of the Derby family's ancestors.
As spring blossoms around Knowsley, I am delighted to share with you an exceptional new podcast series entitled Tribute dedicated to the extraordinary men and women in British history and the first three episodes concentrate on the remarkable life and legacy of Edward Geoffrey Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby. Previously referred to as "The Forgotten Prime Minister," by his biographer Professor Angus Hawkins, he was a visionary reform-minded leader who served as Britain's Prime Minister three times during the 19th century, leaving an indelible mark on British politics, education, and society.
"The Tribute Podcast" brings fascinating insights into the Earl's extraordinary contributions through three captivating episodes:
Episode 1 — Available Thursday 20th March
Inclusivity, Religious Tolerance, and Liberalism
Featuring Dr. Stephen Lloyd, Professor Andrew O'Shaughnessy, and Dr. Geoffrey Hicks, this enlightening discussion explores the Earl's progressive views on religious tolerance and his tireless efforts to foster a more inclusive society during a time of significant social division.
Episode 2 — Available Thursday 27 March
Horse Racing, Irish Education, and Social Mobility
With valuable insights from Alexandra Mayson, Dr. Stephen Lloyd, and other notable experts, this episode highlights the Earl's enduring passion for horse racing (including the founding of the eponymous Derby race), his profound influence on Irish education reform, and his pioneering role in promoting social mobility across class boundaries.
Episode 3 — Available Thursday 3rd April
Literature, Travel, and Racial Equality
Professors Jeanie Grant Moore, Lisa Anne Francavilla, and Andrew O'Shaughnessy delve into the Earl's scholarly pursuits, his adventurous spirit for travel, and his forward-thinking advocacy for racial equality—showcasing dimensions of his legacy that have been historically overlooked.
This thoughtfully curated podcast offers a wonderful opportunity to rediscover the enduring legacy of a statesman who masterfully balanced tradition with progress, shaping Britain in ways that continue to resonate in our society today.
Click the button to join this illuminating historical conversation!
I will be writing shortly with details of our upcoming History Events at the Hall. We are inviting some of the most interesting Historians of today to come and join us in Workshops and Talks.
EVENT
BELLE VOCI OPERA EVENING
We were delighted to host an elegant opera evening in February. This elegant evening featured the extraordinary talents of Belle Voci, whose heavenly performances have captivated audiences across the country. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous dinner in our State Dining Room while being transported by beautiful operatic performances in the intimate and historic setting of Knowsley Hall. Do visit our Hall website for information on upcoming events at the Hall.
KNOWSLEY SAFARI