Winter 2024 – Newsletter
The Countess of Derby’s Living History Society
December Newsletter 2024
600 years of British History through the lens of the 19th Countess of Derby.
Welcome, dear history lovers, to our December edition of the Living History Society newsletter!
December is a time of quiet reflection and eager preparation here at Knowsley Hall as we await the warmth of the holiday season. This month, we celebrate not only the treasures of Knowsley but also remarkable exhibitions and historical insights that connect us to the wider world.
His Majesty recently reminded us of the value of understanding our past to guide our future—a philosophy at the very heart of our Society.
In the spirit of exploration, we dive into the 14th Earl’s travels and look forward to upcoming history events that promise to inspire and engage. I hope this newsletter brings some of Knowsley’s beauty and intrigue into your homes this season.
Warm regards,
The Countess of Derby
HISTORY
TREASURES AND TALES FROM KNOWSLEY HALL
Knowsley Hall, our ancestral home in Merseyside, has a habit of revealing fascinating, long-hidden treasures. Over the years, we’ve uncovered remarkable items, from a 17th-century Old Master painting stuffed behind a wardrobe to hundreds of Roman coins rattling in an old file. And during lockdown, we discovered something truly extraordinary—the personal diaries of Edward Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby and three-time British Prime Minister in the reign of Queen Victoria.
These six small notebooks are filled with his reflections in Italian, Latin, and English, documenting his grand tour of Europe from 1820 to 1822. Travelling by horseback and carriage, he journeyed from Knowsley to Naples and back, exploring Italy’s treasures. His observations are as sharp as they are candid, revealing a young man with a profound love for art, architecture, and adventure.
Reading his notes has been a journey in itself, as I retraced his steps and revisited some of his favourite spots, including the grand Milan Cathedral and the majestic villas along Lake Como. Through his words, I’ve found connections not only to our family’s past but to my own children, who share the same adventurous spirit. This love for exploration and discovery endures through generations, and I am thrilled to share this legacy with you.
CHRISTMAS
THE STUCCO BALLROOM AND ENTRANCE HALL OF KNOWSLEY HALL BEDECKED FOR CHRISTMAS
EVENTS
