The Countess of Derby is to delve into the rich history of Knowsley Hall in a new six-part Duchess podcast series, launching on August 17th.
The hour-long episodes will offer an insider’s perspective, brought to life with high profile guests, including television history presenter, Dan Snow; world-renowned academics, historians and curators, as well as Edward Stanley, The 19th Earl of Derby.
Accessed via duchessthepodcast.com, the mini-series will unearth fascinating discoveries from the deepest archives of Knowsley Hall. Listeners will discover pivotal moments that solidified the family’s prominence in racing, culture and politics, with topics including Edward Lear, who penned the famous poem, The Owl and the Pussy Cat, at Knowsley Hall; the origins of Knowsley Safari; the Derby family’s links with William Shakespeare and with horse racing, most notably how The Derby horse race acquired its moniker.
Released weekly, the Countess of Derby’s Duchess podcast will provide insight into the lives of the previous Earls of Derby, as well as stories about the remarkable discoveries made at Knowsley Hall, including the recently discovered travel journals of the 20 year old Edward Geoffrey Stanley later The 14th Earl of Derby, later 3 times Prime Minister to Queen Victoria.
The Countess of Derby says: “Knowsley Hall and the history of the Stanley family are overflowing with fascinating facts and intriguing connections. I can’t wait to share pivotal moments and anecdotes, along with insight from some of the world’s top authorities on politics, playwrights, conservation, history and art.
“Duchess, the podcast, offers the ideal platform to reach a cultured audience of historians, academics and art lovers, as well as those looking to visit or stay in one of England’s finest stately homes.”
Knowsley Hall is one of Merseyside’s most beautiful and historic houses, with access reserved for exclusively for private events. Avid listeners of the Duchess podcast, who want to experience Knowsley Hall first-hand with friends or colleagues, can arrange a private stay overnight in Knowsley Hall’s magnificent en-suite bedrooms, which have been individually designed by The Countess of Derby herself. For further information please visit the website here.
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