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
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