The Countess of Derby of Knowsley Hall
EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
On this episode of Duchess, our hosts travels to meet the lovely Countess of Derby of the beautiful Knowsley Hall. Lady Derby speaks to the Duchess about the impressive lineage of the Stanley family, and Lady Derby explains some of the challenges she encountered when first arriving on the steps of Knowsley Hall. Emma Rutland learns about Knowsley's astounding connection to Shakespeare, we are given an insight into the Stanley's enthusiasm for equestrian sports, and we hear first hand accounts of the what it’s like to run an estate during a pandemic.
Have you ever watched Bridgerton, The Crown or Downton Abbey and wondered what it's really like to be a Duchess? If so, this is the podcast for you.
TOP QUOTES:
“That was the most difficult thing during the lockdown. Everyone had to isolate. It was actually very lonely.” - Lady Derby
“It’s hard to describe a stately home life without realising it is very co-dependent.” - Lady Derby
“Having people in the house, brings life to the house.” - Lady Derby
“I have been totally reliant on the community I work with to find my way.” - Lady Derby
“What these homes are really about is the community.” - Emma Rutland
ABOUT THE GUEST & STATELY HOME:
The Countess of Derby, formerly The Honourable Caroline Neville, grew up at Audley End in Essex, ancestral seat of the historic House of Neville. She studied History and History of Art at London University, before working as Exhibition’s Assistant to the Surveyor to The Late Queen’s Pictures. She met her husband Edward Stanley, 19th Earl of Derby, in 1994. The couple married in 1995 and have three children, Henrietta, Edward and Oliver.
Knowsley Hall was built in the 1400s and has been home to the Stanley family for over 600 years. The Stanley’s rank amongst some of the most illustrious families in British history, featuring knights, prime ministers, zoologists, writers and politicians in their lineage. The famous horse race, The Epsom Derby was named after the 12th Earl, although there has been a strong association since Ferdinando the 5th Earl of Derby with horse racing, which continues today. Visitors to Knowsley Safari can enjoy its renowned safari park, which was built on the site of the 13th Earl’ menagerie, whose legacy as an influential natural historian and zoologist is still revered today. Knowsley Hall has now restored to its former glory by the 19th Countess of Derby and is available for Private Stays on an exclusive basis, for the duration of your stay.
ABOUT THE HOST:
Emma, Duchess of Rutland, grew up far away from the world of the aristocracy. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh countryside. She trained as an opera singer in the Guildhall School of Music, and worked as a successful interior designer before meeting her future husband David Manners, the 11th Duke of Rutland, at a dinner party. Their marriage in 1992 thrust Emma into a new world, which included the responsibility of preserving one of the nation's greatest stately homes: Belvoir Castle. While simultaneously running the day to day operations of the castle, and raising five children, the Duchess became fascinated with the history and importance of the other stately homes of the UK. Join Emma as she embarks on a wonderful journey through time, to learn more about the incredible homes that have defined Great Britain and, most importantly, meet the other extraordinary women who work tirelessly in the background, to preserve their homes history and magic for future generations.
RESOURCES:
https://www.belvoircastle.com/