Welcome to “Living History with the Countess of Derby,” where I, the Countess of Derby, take you on a journey through some of the most captivating moments in British and American history. This podcast delves into the stories behind some of the most influential figures, events, and places that have shaped our world. From the Victorian era’s most significant politicians and their ties to my family, the Derbys, to Knowsley Hall’s unique association with William Shakespeare and the origins of th ...
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Tribute: The Literary Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby
1:02:24
1:02:24
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1:02:24Episode Description: 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 dif…
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Tribute: The Fourteenth Earl of Derby's Legacy in Politics and Society
39:09
39:09
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39:09Episode Description: 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 o…
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Tribute: The Life and Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby
52:06
52:06
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52:06Episode Description: 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 progr…
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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 an…
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Welcome to Living History with The Countess of Derby
2:59
2:59
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2:59Episode Description: Welcome to “Living History with the Countess of Derby,” where I, the Countess of Derby, take you on a journey through some of the most captivating moments in British and American history. This podcast delves into the stories behind some of the most influential figures, events, and places that have shaped our world. From the Vic…
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Episode Description: On this very special bonus episode, the Countess of Derby sits down with architectural historian Dr John Martin Robinson FSA to discuss the architecture of Knowsley Hall. In the episode, Lady Derby learns how the Stanley rebuilt their family seat after Lathom House was destroyed, and Dr Robinson explains the significant and uni…
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Ep 6: Knowsley Hall Park & Gardens; the 13th Earl’s Aviary & Menagerie, Edward Lear; and the Safari Park
36:21
36:21
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36:21Episode Description: In this episode, the Countess of Derby meets John Phibbs, Dr David Jacques and Dr Clemency Fisher to explore the fascinating story behind how the park and gardens at Knowsley were created. They discuss Capability Brown, what he did on the estate and why he’s considered England's greatest gardener. Lady Derby also learns how the…
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Ep 5: The ‘Political’ Earls of Derby 1820 – 1950
47:51
47:51
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47:51Episode Description: In this episode, the countess of Derby meets Geoffrey Hicks and Dr. Jennifer Davey to discuss the life of the former prime minister, the 14th Earl of Derby, and how a journey to the USA would inspire him to pass anti-slavery legislation in Britain. The team explore how the 14th Earl helped drastically reform education in Irelan…
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Ep 4: The Earls of Derby & Horse Racing through the Centuries
39:35
39:35
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39:35Episode Description: In today’s episode, Lady Derby sits down Alexandra Mayson and her husband Edward 19th Earl of Derby, to explore the history & association of horse racing to the Earls of Derby. In their conversation, Alexandra and Lord Derby explain which family members had more passion than others for racing and why it isn’t just the sport of …
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Episode Description: This time on the podcast, Lady Derby meets Dr. Richard Stephens and Dr. Stephen Lloyd where we spoke about our incredible Derby Collection - and the story behind the many breathtaking and fascinating works of art that comprises it. In the episode, they discuss the many masterpieces in the Derby collection, and some that were lo…
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Ep 2: The Earls of Derby and Shakespearean Theatre 1580-2023
43:21
43:21
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43:21Episode Description: This time Lady Derby is joined by historians Professor Elspeth Graham and author Dr Vanessa Wilkie to discuss the history of patronage, theatrical performance and connection between William Shakespeare and Knowsley Hall. In the episode, they explore why theatrical performance was so important for prominent families in the Eliza…
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Ep 1: Knowsley Hall, Lathom House and the Stanley family 1385-1651
53:13
53:13
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53:13Episode Description: In the first episode of this special season about Knowsley Hall and the history of the Stanley family, Lady Derby meets Dan Snow and Dr William Shannon to discuss the history of Knowsley Hall, Lathom House and the Stanley family, from the 14th century up until the mid-17th century. In the episode, we hear how Sir Thomas Stanley…
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