Talks
Living History Talks
Welcome to the Countess of Derby’s Talks on Living History. You can listen to the talks here, online or book the Countess as speaker for your history event or as an after dinner speaker.
Enjoy discovering centuries of British history brought to life by one of the most accomplished storytellers of our time. Known to friends and admirers as “Cazzy”, the Countess has a deep-rooted connection to two of England’s oldest and most significant families, the Nevilles and the Stanleys. With a passion for uncovering the fascinating stories hidden within the annals of history, Cazzy has spent years curating exhibitions, producing podcasts and documentaries, and delivering captivating talks that appeal to history lovers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or simply curious about the past, the Countess of Derby’s engaging narratives offer a unique and immersive experience into the lives, triumphs, and tribulations of two of England’s great families.
Talks – American Philosophical society
Lunch at the Library: "A North American Tour Journal 1824-1825: The Making of a Prime Minister"
I travelled with my colleague Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy speaking three times in Florida and New York, twice in Boston and Charleston and once in Philadelphia, Charleston, Monticello, Washington and Louisville.
Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy is Professor of History at the University of Virginia and noted scholar on the American Revolution. He was the former Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith Centre for Jefferson Studies at Monticello and Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Visiting International Fellow at the Wilberforce Institute, University of Hull, and last year he was Visiting Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford. I am also proud to confirm that Andrew O’Shaughnessy has been awarded a one year Fellowship in residence at the Rothermere American Institute as well as a two term fellowship at University College, Oxford for his work on the 14th Earl of Derby and the American Revolutionary War.
His next book Republic and Empire is out in September 2025 on which he collaborated with the late Trevor Burnard.
Upcoming Talks
11-12 OCTOBER 2025
CLIVEDEN HISTORY FESTIVAL, BERKSHIRE
The North American Travel Journal at the Cliveden History Festival.
15 OCTOBER 2025
The Life and Legacy of the 13th Earl of Derby
Why History Matters The Countess of Derby's History Study Days
16 OCTOBER 2025
The Life and Legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby
Why History Matters The Countess of Derby's History Study Days
10 Must-Discover Talks by the Countess of Derby
Below you’ll find a curated list of 10 compelling talks that will transport you through time, offering glimpses into the dramatic, romantic, and sometimes tragic tales that have shaped British history. Each talk is crafted to captivate and educate, providing insights that are as entertaining as they are enlightening.
TALK ONE
Knowsley Hall: A Living Legacy
Step inside the magnificent Knowsley Hall, a stately home with over six centuries of history. Explore the daily life within its walls, from grand events to conservation projects, and discover how the estate continues to play a vital role in both local and national heritage.
TALK TWO
Star-Crossed Dynasties: The Nevilles and the Stanleys
Uncover the intertwining stories of the Neville and Stanley families, two of England’s most storied lineages. Their alliances and rivalries have helped shape the nation’s history, and Cazzy’s insider perspective reveals the personal dramas behind these historic ties.
TALK THREE
Earl After Earl: The Derby Family Through the Centuries
Journey through 600 years of the Derby family’s remarkable history. From political powerhouses to military leaders, the Earls of Derby have left an indelible mark on British history, and this talk highlights the most thrilling episodes of their legacy.
TALK FOUR
The Stanley Women
Delve into the lives of the formidable women who stood behind—and often beside—the Earls of Derby. Their stories of love, betrayal, triumph, and tragedy are brought to life with Cazzy’s sharp eye for detail and engaging storytelling style.
TALK FIVE
Shakespeare’s Patronage: The Earls of Derby and the Bard
Discover the fascinating connection between the Earls of Derby and William Shakespeare. Did you know that some of the Bard’s most famous plays were written under the patronage of the Derby family? This talk explores the artistic and political dynamics of this extraordinary relationship.
TALK SIX
The Cornwallis Sword: A Legacy of War and Peace
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of American independence, learn about the Cornwallis Sword, a symbol of one of the most pivotal moments in Anglo-American history. As a descendant of General Cornwallis, Cazzy provides a personal and insightful narrative about this historic artefact.
TALK SEVEN
The American Journal of Edward Geoffrey Stanley, later Prime Minister and 14th Earl of Derby 1824-1825
From July 1824 into March 1825, Edward Stanley (1799-1869) travelled extensively throughout the eastern half of North America. He travelled by stagecoach, steamboat, canoe, horseback and sometimes on foot keeping a diary of his vivid eye witness accounts and reactions to this ringside seat of American contemporary life.
TALK EIGHT
The Great Fire at Windsor: A Personal Account
Relive the harrowing moments of the 1992 Windsor Castle fire through Cazzy’s firsthand account. As one of the first on the scene, she played a crucial role in the effort to save priceless pieces of the Royal Collection, making this a gripping and emotional retelling of a national tragedy.
TALK NINE
The Stanleys and the English Civil War: Loyalties and Betrayals
Explore the role of the Stanley family during one of the most turbulent periods in British history—the English Civil War. This talk delves into the complex loyalties and betrayals that defined the era, offering new insights into the Stanley’s political manoeuvres and military actions.
TALK TEN
A House of Art: The Derby Family’s Patronage and Collection
Cazzy takes you through the Derby family’s extensive patronage of the arts, from the Old Masters to contemporary works. Learn how their support of artists like Hamlet Winstanley helped shape the cultural heritage of England, with a particular focus on the treasures housed at Knowsley Hall.
These talks, delivered by the Countess of Derby, promise to captivate, educate, and inspire, offering a window into the history of England’s aristocratic families and their enduring legacies. Many of these stories come to life in the Countess’s books, podcast and documentary that you can also enjoy on this website.
Talks
Living History Talks
Welcome to the Countess of Derby’s Talks on Living History. You can listen to the talks here, online or book the Countess as speaker for your history event or as an after dinner speaker.
Enjoy discovering centuries of British history brought to life by one of the most accomplished storytellers of our time. Known to friends and admirers as “Cazzy”, the Countess has a deep-rooted connection to two of England’s oldest and most significant families, the Nevilles and the Stanleys. With a passion for uncovering the fascinating stories hidden within the annals of history, Cazzy has spent years curating exhibitions, producing podcasts and documentaries, and delivering captivating talks that appeal to history lovers worldwide. Whether you’re a seasoned historian or simply curious about the past, the Countess of Derby’s engaging narratives offer a unique and immersive experience into the lives, triumphs, and tribulations of two of England’s great families.
Talks – American Philosophical society
Lunch at the Library: "A North American Tour Journal 1824-1825: The Making of a Prime Minister"
I travelled with my colleague Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy speaking three times in Florida and New York, twice in Boston and Charleston and once in Philadelphia, Charleston, Monticello, Washington and Louisville.
Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy is Professor of History at the University of Virginia and noted scholar on the American Revolution. He was the former Saunders Director of the Robert H. Smith Centre for Jefferson Studies at Monticello and Vice President of the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, Visiting International Fellow at the Wilberforce Institute, University of Hull, and last year he was Visiting Fellow at Magdalen College, Oxford. I am also proud to confirm that Andrew O’Shaughnessy has been awarded a one year Fellowship in residence at the Rothermere American Institute as well as a two term fellowship at University College, Oxford for his work on the 14th Earl of Derby and the American Revolutionary War.
His next book Republic and Empire is out in September 2025 on which he collaborated with the late Trevor Burnard.
Upcoming Talks
23 JUNE 2025
Chalke History Festival, Somerset
The North American Travel Journal at Chalke History Festival, Somerset.
25-28 SEPTEMBER 2025
WILLIAM FAULKNER LITERARY FESTIVAL, NEW ORLEANS
Remembering William Faulkner on his birthday.
11-12 OCTOBER 2025
CLIVEDEN HISTORY FESTIVAL, BERKSHIRE
The North American Travel Journal at the Cliveden History Festival.
10 Must-Discover Talks by the Countess of Derby
Below you’ll find a curated list of 10 compelling talks that will transport you through time, offering glimpses into the dramatic, romantic, and sometimes tragic tales that have shaped British history. Each talk is crafted to captivate and educate, providing insights that are as entertaining as they are enlightening.
TALK ONE
Knowsley Hall: A Living Legacy
Step inside the magnificent Knowsley Hall, a stately home with over six centuries of history. Explore the daily life within its walls, from grand events to conservation projects, and discover how the estate continues to play a vital role in both local and national heritage.
TALK TWO
Star-Crossed Dynasties: The Nevilles and the Stanleys
Uncover the intertwining stories of the Neville and Stanley families, two of England’s most storied lineages. Their alliances and rivalries have helped shape the nation’s history, and Cazzy’s insider perspective reveals the personal dramas behind these historic ties.
TALK THREE
Earl After Earl: The Derby Family Through the Centuries
Journey through 600 years of the Derby family’s remarkable history. From political powerhouses to military leaders, the Earls of Derby have left an indelible mark on British history, and this talk highlights the most thrilling episodes of their legacy.
TALK FOUR
The Stanley Women
Delve into the lives of the formidable women who stood behind—and often beside—the Earls of Derby. Their stories of love, betrayal, triumph, and tragedy are brought to life with Cazzy’s sharp eye for detail and engaging storytelling style.
TALK FIVE
Shakespeare’s Patronage: The Earls of Derby and the Bard
Discover the fascinating connection between the Earls of Derby and William Shakespeare. Did you know that some of the Bard’s most famous plays were written under the patronage of the Derby family? This talk explores the artistic and political dynamics of this extraordinary relationship.
TALK SIX
The Cornwallis Sword: A Legacy of War and Peace
On the eve of the 250th anniversary of American independence, learn about the Cornwallis Sword, a symbol of one of the most pivotal moments in Anglo-American history. As a descendant of General Cornwallis, Cazzy provides a personal and insightful narrative about this historic artefact.
TALK SEVEN
The American Journal of Edward Geoffrey Stanley, later Prime Minister and 14th Earl of Derby 1824-1825
From July 1824 into March 1825, Edward Stanley (1799-1869) travelled extensively throughout the eastern half of North America. He travelled by stagecoach, steamboat, canoe, horseback and sometimes on foot keeping a diary of his vivid eye witness accounts and reactions to this ringside seat of American contemporary life.
TALK EIGHT
The Great Fire at Windsor: A Personal Account
Relive the harrowing moments of the 1992 Windsor Castle fire through Cazzy’s firsthand account. As one of the first on the scene, she played a crucial role in the effort to save priceless pieces of the Royal Collection, making this a gripping and emotional retelling of a national tragedy.
TALK NINE
The Stanleys and the English Civil War: Loyalties and Betrayals
Explore the role of the Stanley family during one of the most turbulent periods in British history—the English Civil War. This talk delves into the complex loyalties and betrayals that defined the era, offering new insights into the Stanley’s political manoeuvres and military actions.
TALK TEN
