PODCASTS
Journey through Living History with the Countess of Derby
The Countess of Derby embarks on a mesmerising journey through history as she takes listeners behind the scenes of the recently restored Knowsley Hall, where fascinating discoveries await in the archives, vaults, and previously abandoned rooms. Written and presented by the Countess of Derby, the podcast episodes explore the enthralling history of her family and their vast contribution to Britain’s political, cultural and national life. All podcast episodes are listed below and can be listened to by clicking on the episode titles.
PODCASTS
The New Series: The Tribute Podcast
Benjamin Disraeli once said of the 14th Earl of Derby that his legacy would be that he educated Ireland, abolished slavery, and reformed Parliament. Yet today, he is known as the forgotten Prime Minister.
Welcome to Tribute, a podcast dedicated to honouring history’s most impactful yet overlooked figures. In our debut season, we explore the life and legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby - a statesman and visionary whose influence still resonates today.
But who was the man behind the legacy? And how did his leadership shape both his era and our world today?
Join us as we uncover the untold story of one of Britain’s most influential yet forgotten leaders.
EPISODE 1
20.03.25
Tribute: The Life and Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby
In the heart of Parliament Square, among statues of history’s most celebrated figures, stands a tribute to a man largely overlooked today—Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby. Known as The Forgotten Prime Minister, he was Britain’s longest-serving Conservative leader, a political reformer, and a champion of social progress. In this debut episode of Tribute, host Caroline Derby unpacks the Earl’s early life and the experiences that shaped his vision for change with insights from historian Dr. Stephen Lloyd, Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy and Dr. Geoff Hicks.
Join us as we rediscover the legacy of a leader whose impact continues to shape modern Britain.
EPISODE 2
27.03.25
Tribute: The Fourteenth Earl of Derby’s Legacy in Politics and Society
The 14th Earl of Derby was more than a statesman—he was a visionary who shaped both British horse racing and education reform. His passion for the turf wasn’t just about sport; it reflected his belief that merit mattered more than privilege, a philosophy that carried into his political life.
This episode explores how his love of racing broke down class barriers and how his 1831 Education Act for Ireland sought to bridge religious divides through learning. His travels abroad reinforced his commitment to social mobility and reform, but his efforts, particularly in Ireland, sparked controversy.
From the racetrack to the classroom, the Earl’s legacy is one of progress and paradox. Join us as we continue to uncover the life of a leader who saw reform as the key to preservation.
EPISODE 3
03.04.25
Tribute: The Literary Legacy of the Fourteen Earl of Derby
In this final episode of Tribute, we explore two defining aspects of the 14th Earl of Derby’s life: his contributions to literature and his role in the abolition of slavery in the British colonies.
A scholar, poet, and writer, Stanley’s extensive travels shaped both his worldview and his literary output. His encounters with different cultures and ideas influenced some of the great novels of his time, and his own writings—including poetry and translations—left a lasting mark. His travel journals, rich with firsthand observations on society and race, offer a unique historical lens into the 19th century.
But perhaps the most profound impact of his journeys was his unwavering commitment to justice. Witnessing slavery firsthand strengthened his resolve to fight for abolition, leading to one of his greatest political achievements—the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act in the British colonies.
As we conclude our series, we ask: can the Forgotten Prime Minister finally take his place among history’s great leaders? Join us as we take this final step in rediscovering the remarkable life and legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby.
THE SECRETS OF STATECRAFT – With Andrew Roberts
02.05.25
“Well, He Got Beheaded”
Caroline Stanley, Countess of Derby, is an English aristocrat, art historian, and philanthropist. Affectionately known as “Cazzy,” she is married to Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby, and serves as the chatelaine of Knowsley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Stanley family in Merseyside. In this conversation, which also delves into topics ranging from medieval politics to family connections with William Shakespeare, she primarily discusses her edition of the remarkable travel journals of the 14th Earl of Derby, who travelled extensively in North America in 1824-25.
AMERICAN ANCESTORS
The American Journal of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby : The Making of a Prime Minister
On the 9th of May, I had the pleasure to support on a live webinar with my dear friend Curt DiCamillo for American Ancestors.
AMERICAN ANCESTORS
The American Journal of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby : The Making of a Prime Minister
On the 9th of May, I had the pleasure to support on a live webinar with my dear friend Curt DiCamillo for American Ancestors.
PODCASTS
Journey through Living History with the Countess of Derby
The Countess of Derby embarks on a mesmerising journey through history as she takes listeners behind the scenes of the recently restored Knowsley Hall, where fascinating discoveries await in the archives, vaults, and previously abandoned rooms. Written and presented by the Countess of Derby, the podcast episodes explore the enthralling history of her family and their vast contribution to Britain’s political, cultural and national life. All podcast episodes are listed below and can be listened to by clicking on the play icons or via the Spotify and Apple music links.
EPISODE 1
17.08.23
Knowsley Hall, Lathom House and the Stanley family 1385-1651
The Countess of Derby welcomes esteemed guests Dan Snow, The History Guy and Dr. William Shannon to join her to delve into the rich history of Knowsley Hall and the Stanley family.
EPISODE 2
24.08.23
The Earls of Derby and Shakespearean Theatre 1580-2023
Joined by historians Professor Elspeth Graham and author Dr Vanessa Wilkie to discuss the history of patronage, theatrical performance and connections between William Shakespeare and Knowsley Hall.
EPISODE 3
31.08.23
The Derby Collection
Lady Derby shares the fascinating tales of how the Derby Collection was amassed, how great pieces of art were lost and the work that goes on behind-the-scenes to preserve this internationally significant collection. She invited two esteemed art historians Dr Richard Stephens and Dr Stephen Lloyd to explain how the historic art collection was meticulously acquired at Knowsley Hall.
EPISODE 4
07.08.23
The Earls of Derby & Horse Racing through the Centuries
Featuring guests Alexandra Mayson and Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, this episode explores the family’s association with horse racing that dates back to the late 16th century.
EPISODE 5
14.09.23
The ‘Political’ Earls of Derby 1820-1950
Lady Derby takes her audience on a captivating journey through the life of the 14th Earl of Derby, who not only served as Prime Minister three times but also embarked on an epic journey across Europe on horseback from Knowsley Hall in 1820-22 and across North America and Canada in 1924-5. Also included in this episode are details of the 15th Earl of Derby as Foreign Secretary, 16th Earl as Governor General of Canada and 17th Earl as Secretary of State for War and British Ambassador to France.
EPISODE 6
21.09.23
Knowsley Hall Park & Gardens; the 13th Earl’s Aviary & Menagerie, Edward Lear; and the Safari Park
This episode explores the history of the 13th Earl who developed a menagerie on the Knowsley Estate. At this time, it was the largest private zoo in the world. The famous poet Edward Lear, spent time working and living at Knowsley Hall for the 13th Earl.
Bonus EPISODE
22.09.23
The Architecture of Knowsley Hall
The Countess of Derby sat down with architectural historian Dr John Martin Robinson to discuss the architecture of Knowsley Hall which started as a medieval hunting lodge in the 12th century, but the earliest part of today’s building dates from about 1500.
THE DUCHESS PODCAST INTERVIEW
01.02.21