The World of Downton Abbey

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The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World

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Barracoon: The Story of the Last ""Black Cargo""

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Lies My Teacher Told Me: 2nd Edition

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Defining Moments in Black History: Reading Between the Lies

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Witchcraft: A History in Thirteen Trials

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The Untold History of the United States

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Prisoners of Geography: Ten Maps That Explain Everything About the World

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The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland

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Quackery: A Brief History of the Worst Ways to Cure Everything

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Strongmen: Mussolini to the Present

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The Woman Who Smashed Codes: A True Story of Love, Spies, and the Unlikely Heroine who Outwitted America's Enemies

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Mobituaries: Great Lives Worth Reliving

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The Ugly History of Beautiful Things: Essays on Desire and Consumption

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The Reformation: A History

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Three Women

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On Account of Race: The Supreme Court, White Supremacy, and the Ravaging of African American Voting Rights

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Five Days in November

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Madness and Civilization: A History of Insanity in the Age of Reason

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The Rise and Fall of Ancient Egypt

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Lies My Teacher Told Me for Young Readers: Everything Your American History Textbook Got Wrong

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The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime

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Overground Railroad: The Green Book and the Roots of Black Travel in America

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Culture: The Story of Us, From Cave Art to K-Pop

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Humans: A Brief History of How We F*cked It All Up

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Truth Has a Power of Its Own: Conversations About A People's History

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Foreign Bodies: Pandemics, Vaccines, and the Health of Nations

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We Did That?

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First Women: The Grace and Power of America's Modern First Ladies

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The Injustice of Place: Uncovering the Legacy of Poverty in America

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Summary of Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Podcast episode

Julian Fellowes

Podcast episode

Around the world with Simon Reeve and Neil MacGregor – books podcast: The BBC presenter talks about the travels in his memoir Step By Step, and the celebrated curator reflects on the beliefs explored in Living With the Gods

Podcast episode

Welcome to Duchess Season 2: Welcome back to Season 2 of Duchess! - the podcast where the Duchess of Rutland explores the historic homes of Great Britain, and meets the inspiring women who lead them today. 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. Stately homes are manors, palaces, and castles of great historic significance. They were built by the finest architects, adorned with the finest treasures and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. They homed the most powerful families and, with their wealth and social pedigree, shaped the world we live in today. Emma grew up far away from the aristocracy but her life changed forever when she married her husband - the 11th Duke of Rutland - and moved into Belvoir Castle. At once Emma became both a Duchess and custodian of one of Britain's most important buildings. The Duchess wanted to learn more about this world, these homes, and the ot

Podcast episode

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 “

Podcast episode

Lady Ingilby of Ripley Castle: In this latest episode, The Duchess travels to meet Lady Ingilby of the amazing Ripley Castle. Lady Emma Ingilby takes the Duchess on a tour through Ripley’s fascinating history, Lady Ingilby explains what a priest hole is and why it was once very important in a Catholic home, we hear more chilling ghost stories, and the ladies discuss the sometimes isolating exclusivity of the ‘stately wives club.’ Enjoy.

Podcast episode

Countess Spencer of Althorp House: Episode Description : In our final episode of season 2, the Duchess of Rutland meets Karen, Countess Spencer of the historic Althorp. In this episode, we are introduce to the many extraordinary women of the Spencer family. Lady Spencer regales us the some of the ghostly activity she and her family have experienced at Althorp, and Karen and the Duchess discuss their shared love of cows!Top Quotes:"It takes a long time to understand these houses. I think the danger in a place like this, is to come in and change things without taking the time to really understand the history that came before it, and the more I learn the more reverence I have." - Lady Spencer"Some of these places are very old fashioned and some of the people working in them are very old fashioned. So it took a bit of rejigging to make sure we had the right team that were prepared for a modern working couple who make decisions together." - Lady Spencer"Being in heritage has taught me patie

Podcast episode

Out of the Deep by Walter de la Mare

Podcast episode

Welcome to Duchess Season 3: Welcome back to Season 3 of Duchess! - the podcast where the Duchess of Rutland explores the historic homes of Great Britain and Ireland, and meets the inspiring women who lead them today. 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. Stately homes are manors, palaces, and castles of great historic significance. They were built by the finest architects, adorned with the finest treasures and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. They homed the most powerful families and, with their wealth and social pedigree, shaped the world we live in today. Emma grew up far away from the aristocracy but her life changed forever when she married her husband - the 11th Duke of Rutland - and moved into Belvoir Castle. At once Emma became both a Duchess and custodian of one of Britain's most important buildings. The Duchess wanted to learn more about this world, these homes

Podcast episode

Invisible Magicians: Domestic Servants in Gilded Age New York: Domestic servants during the Gilded Age did more than simply maintain the mansions of the wealthy. New York City simply could not function with these 'invisible' armies of butlers, housekeepers, footmen, ladies maids, cooks, valets and others.

Podcast episode

The Marchioness Townshend of Raynham Hall: Episode Description:On this exciting episode of Duchess, Emma meets the custodian of one of Britain’s greatest stately homes: The Marchioness Townshend of Raynham Hall. In this episode, we learn about the fascinating story of how the city of Sydney was named after a Townshend. The Duchess hears how Lord ‘Turnip’ Townshend ushered in an agricultural revolution at Raynham, and we are given the full story behind the world’s best known ghost photograph!Top Quotes:“You can not dictate the future of a home. All you can do is love it and look after it now.” - Lady Townshend“Traditionally, these houses would have had recitals for every group of people that they had visiting. Music is in the DNA of grand homes.” - The Duchess of RutlandAbout the Guest and Stately Home:Raynham Hall is a country house located in the glorious countryside of Norfolk. For nearly 400 years it has been the seat of the Townshend family. Born Alison Combs, Lady Townshend is the

Podcast episode

Lady Cara Willoughby of Birdsall House: Episode Description: In this week’s episode, the Duchess journeys to the beautiful Birdsall House to meet Lady Cara Willoughby. In the show, Lady Cara tells the Duchess about the incredible, swashbuckling life story of Britain’s most reckless naval officer, Lady Cara reveals how Jane Austen was influenced by Birdsall in her novels, and the ladies explore more ghostly-goings-on in heritage. Top Quotes:"Living in heritage you become extremely aware through portraits on the wall, and the history of the family, that you are a very small link in the chain and, therefore, you inherit it, you do what you feel is right in your generation, and you hand it on." - Lady Cara"As custodians, we are guardians of the house." - Lady Cara"In heritage you always seem to be planning your life for your death." - Duchess"The magic of Downton Abbey and The Crown is that they show these houses to be full of riches and staff but, of course, now they are not at all. We as

Podcast episode

The Countess of Devon of Powderham Castle: Episode Description:In this episode of Duchess, our host meets Hollywood actress and Countess of Devon, A.J. Devon. Lady Devon opens up about her career in Hollywood, and explains the difficulty of transitioning to running a historic home. The Duchess learns about the amazing history of Powderham, and we hear how Lady Devon is transforming the estate into a community space for wellness, health, and happiness. 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:“I didn't realise these houses can eat you. I did lose myself to this house” - Lady Devon “I wasn’t brought up to be beautiful. I was brought up to be authentic, empowered, and to use my voice.” - Lady Devon“Running these homes, there’s an immense need and expectation to take care of our communities.”- Emma Rutland“We can get caught up in the bricks and mortar. But it's our souls th

Podcast episode

Wars of the Roses 1: Bloodlines: we pick up right where we left off in our Hundred Years War series as we introduce the Wars of the Roses, the dynastic conflict that paved the way for England to become the globe-bestriding colossus we know and hate. we talk all about the...

Podcast episode

Duchess, the Jubilee Special: Episode Description:Welcome back to a very special episode of the Duchess podcast.The weekend of the 3rd of June has just passed and we enjoyed a wonderful weekend of platinum jubilee celebrations for our Queen Elizabeth II.So to celebrate Queen Elizabeth we have decided to have a special episode dedicated to her and the royal family.To start, we will have one of our favourite guests back on the podcast, Lady Derby of Knowsley Hall, who will share some of her own stories involving the royal family and her personal feelings on the incredible celebrations this weekend. We will then play some of our favourite clips from the podcast that have featured stories and anecdotes about the Queen and her family.So please join us for this very special Jubilee episode of the podcast - this is Duchess.Top Quotes:“What the Jubilee meant to me is just bringing everyone together. Nobody does pageantry better than the British. It didn’t matter what age you were, what nationa

Podcast episode

Clara Amfo, cherry & quinoa 'tabbouleh' with goat's cheese and a cosmopolitan

Podcast episode

Season 4 Trailer

Podcast episode

Lady Ailsa of Stonor Park: Episode Description: In this week’s episode, the Duchess speaks to Lady Ailsa of the historic Stonor Park. In the episode, Lady Ailsa tells the Duchess about the mysterious story of Hollywood’s lost aviator, we get the backstory on Stonor Park’s mystical foundations, and the ladies discuss the estate’s fascinating history of Catholic martyrdom. Top Quotes:"When living in these homes you do really reflect on how extraordinary it is to have this great tapestry of hundreds of years surrounding you." - Duchess"These homes aren't built for five people to rattle around in. They're built for everyone to see." - Lady Ailsa"In lockdown, we have noticed an enormous reconnection with Belvoir from the local community. We hope it will stay because the only way we will keep the roofs on these places is from the support of local people in the surrounding area. Living in heritage is such a partnership" - DuchessAbout the Guest and Stately Home:Lady Ailsa was born Ailsa Ma

Podcast episode

Lady Northampton of Compton Wynyates: Episode Description: On this week’s episode, the Duchess of Rutland speaks with Lady Northampton who is a custodian of two historic homes: Compton Wynyates and Castle Ashby. In the show, the Duchess learns how one of Henry’s VIII’s closest confidants helped build the Spencer family line, Lady Northampton elaborates on why Compton Wynyates is such an architecturally unique place, and we are introduced to the unpublished female poet that was admired by Wordsworth and Sir Walter Scott. Top Quotes:"I'm very keen on creating a harmonious atmosphere in these incredible places. I like to think that I create an atmosphere at Compton where the staff and team there feel like we are all part of one family." - Lady Tracy Northampton"In heritage, it's so integral that you retain the essence of what you are, what you believe in, what you stand for. If you lose your roots as a human being you can't fulfil the role because the role is not true to who you are." - T

Podcast episode

Charlotte Brudenell of Deene Park: Episode Description: In the first episode of Duchess season 2, the Duchess of Rutland travels to Deene Park in Northamptonshire to meet Charlotte Brudenell. In the show, Charlotte introduces the Duchess to the eccentric Earl that was immortalised by one of English poetry’s greatest works, the ladies discuss Deene Park’s incredible association to the Magna Carta, and Charlotte reveals the ‘saucy’ 19th century discovery that would have made many of the time blush. Top Quotes: "The past is to cherish; the future is to relish." - Charlotte"The great thing about living in heritage is that we take on what our predecessors tell us, bless them for having been and then go forward to do our little bit. It becomes a great tapestry." - The Duchess"You have to put a 21st century influence or adaptation onto something that's older because we ultimately have to live in these houses and we can't let them rule us." - Charlotte"These houses were built to be shown off.

Podcast episode

Lady Inglewood of Hutton-in-the-Forest: Episode Description:In this episode, the Duchess meets Lady Inglewood of Hutton-In-The-Forest. In the episode, we learn about Hutton's incredible architecture, Lady Inglewood takes us through her exceptional gardening pedigree, and she also discusses with Emma the serendipitous origins of Hutton's world famous Potfest.Top Quotes:“Living in this house, and getting older yourself, you realise a hundred years isn’t very long. Time is a telescope.” - Lady Inglewood“To preserve this place for future generations you need to work with the building.” - Lady InglewoodAbout the Guest and Stately Home:Lady Inglewood is the current custodian of Hutton-In-The-Forest with her husband Richard, Lord Inglewood. The couple have three grown up children together. Before becoming custodian of Hutton, Lady Inglewood was also a professional garden photographer for many years working on books for many publishers such as The National Trust.Hutton-in-the-Forest is a Grade

Podcast episode

Is The Dinner Party Dead?: Josceline Dimbleby, Alison Roman & Alexandra Dudley on how to have friends over for food.

Podcast episode

The Bell Witch: Real Tennessee Poltergeist or Made Up Legend? | 202

Podcast episode

Julie Montagu of Mapperton House & Gardens: Episode Description: This time on Duchess, our host the Duchess of Rutland meets with Julie Montagu online to talk about her historic home - Mapperton House and Gardens. In the episode, Julie details how the Montagu’s invented the sandwich, the Duchess is taken through Mapperton’s beautiful interiors, and the ladies discuss the exciting re-wilding projects that are being initiated on the estate. Top Quotes:"David Attenborough said we must re-wild the world and, at Mapperton House with our re-wilding projects, we very much took that to heart. We decided to give this back to nature. In one sense, we're trying in our own way to revive it." - Julie Montagu"We are not just custodians of the house; we're custodians of the land that surrounds it." - Duchess"My mother and father in law have embraced me for my American ways. I haven't had to change my accent, or who I am. I have never had to give up the American in me. I have been able to really

Podcast episode

Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall: Episode Description:In this episode, the Duchess meets online with Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall and Sanctuary. The Duchess talks to Paris about the trailblazing transformation she’s leading at the estate, we learn about the Victorian ‘wonder woman’ who lived at Broughton, and Emma discuss with Paris, some of the important sustainability projects they are developing on the estate.Top Quotes:“I really hope that we can be a lighthouse. A beacon of hope that shines out to anyone in need for people from all walks of life and backgrounds. That’s what I want Broughton Hall to become.” - Paris Ackrill“What becoming a custodian has taught me is that: 'with privilege comes responsibility'.” - Paris AckrillAbout the Guest and Stately Home:Paris Ackrill is the current custodian of Broughton Hall with her partner Roger Tempest, she previously worked as an artist. Roger descended from the Tempest Baronets who have lived at Broughton Hall for 32 generations. The co

Podcast episode

Episode 51 Mr Jones by Edith Wharton

Podcast episode

Satellite Sisters Downton Abbey Re-cap Season 6, Episode 1

Podcast episode

Countrystride #97: Townend – A Troutbeck farming dynasty: ...in which we descend upon the cloistered valley of Troutbeck to celebrate the 75th birthday of the National Trust farm at Townend, home for 12 generations to the 'yeoman' Browne family. In the company of Collections & House Manager Emma Wright we...

Podcast episode

Demetra Lindsay of Hedingham Castle: On this week’s episode, The Duchess meets Demetra Lindsay - custodian of the marvellous Hedingham Castle - Britain’s best preserved Norman keep. We learn about the history of Hedingham Castle, we hear about a beautiful love story that challenged the social norms of it’s day, Demetra introduces us to some ghostly residents who continue to walk the halls of Hedingham, and we take a tour the wonderful gardens. Enjoy.

Podcast episode

Episode 63: Til We Have Faces, Ch. 3-5: Welcome back to our series on C. S. Lewis’ mythical retelling here on The Literary Life Podcast. Today Angelina, Cindy and Thomas discuss chapters 3-5. Angelina opens the book chat with an exploration of the tensions that are becoming evident in...

Podcast episode

Welcome to Duchess: As a young girl growing up in the idyllic Welsh countryside, Emma Rutland never could have imagined she would live a real life fairytale. Born Emma Watkins, she met the 11th Duke of Rutland and fell in love. The couple married and Emma became the Duchess of Rutland. This transformation would thrust her into the world of the aristocracy - living in one of Britain's most important homes, Belvoir Castle. The life of a Duchess was not just romance and glamour but also hard work and responsibility. Emma learned that everyday running a stately home is a battle and that she has to work tirelessly to ensure the castle sees tomorrow. Emma wanted to learn more about the other stately homes of Great Britain, the history behind these estates, the families who call them home, and the other inspiring women who lead them today. When her daughter Vi suggested a podcast, she knew she had to do it. So please join Emma as she journeys through Britain, peeking behind the