Hidden Heritage
by HeritageXplore
Hosted by Violet Manners — Viscountess Garnock (née Lady Violet Manners) — this series explores the lives of those shaped, influenced or quietly drawn towards heritage. Some guests grew up inside historic houses, as Violet did.Some work behind the scenes preserving them.Others simply fell in love with old places and found that fascination shaping the course of their lives. These are conversations about ambition, memory, risk, family and belonging — with heritage woven throughout. Because heritage is never just about buildings. It is about the people drawn to them, shaped by them, and sometimes changed because of them.
Episodes
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Heritage, Power and the Global Gaze
In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners is joined by Jason Lindsay, Chairman of Historic Houses, and Marcus Yorke-Long, Head of the Private Office at Charles Russell Speechlys, for a conversation exploring one central question: who owns our heritage now?Heritage is often discussed...
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Lord Iveagh: Legacy, Land and the Weight of History at Elveden
Lord Iveagh - Ned Guinness - is custodian of the 22,000-acre Elveden Estate in Suffolk. But inheritance, in his case, is layered. Elveden was once owned by Maharaja Duleep Singh, redesigned with Mughal splendour, later purchased by the Guinness family, and transformed into Britain’s largest…
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Inside Britain’s Great Houses with Eleanor Doughty: Heirs, Duty and the Modern Aristocracy
Journalist and author Eleanor Doughty has spent over a decade gaining rare access to Britain’s great estates. In her Sunday Telegraph column and her book Heirs and Graces, she explores inheritance not as privilege alone - but as duty, burden and identity. In this episode, Violet and Eleanor...
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Lady Anne Glenconner: From Holkham to Mustique and Everything in Between
Lady Anne Glenconner has lived more lives than most of us could imagine. Born at Holkham Hall, Maid of Honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, and lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for over three decades, Lady Anne stood at the centre of royal history — and at the creation of Mustique as a...
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Patrick Galbraith on Rewilding, Trail Hunting and the Future of Rural Britain
This week on Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners sits down with Patrick Galbraith — writer, journalist and one of the sharpest contemporary voices examining the British countryside.From birds, deer and gamekeeping to land access, farming and the cultural fabric of rural life, Patrick’s work explores...
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Filming in Historic Houses: Opportunity, Risk and Reality.
Filming & Events in Historic Houses: What It Really Involves Filming and large-scale events can provide historic houses with vital income and global visibility. Yet behind every beautifully shot scene lies a complex reality of negotiation, risk management and strategic decision-making. In this...
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India Hicks: Born Into History, Living Between Worlds
In this episode of Violet Manners in Hidden Heritage, Violet is joined by designer, writer and entrepreneur India Hicks - a woman born into history who chose to build her life somewhere entirely her own. The daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary designer David Hicks, India grew up at…
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Steven Moore: The Stories Objects Tell You
In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners is joined by antiquary, broadcaster and storyteller Steven Moore — a man whose life has been shaped by objects, and the stories they carry. Known to millions through his appearances on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, Steven…
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Living Heritage: Dr. Tristram Hunt on Museums in a Changing World
In this episode, Violet Manners is joined by Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and former MP, for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of museums in public life. They discuss how institutions like the V&A are evolving in the 21st century - from addressing colonial...
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Hidden Heritage: Legacy, Preservation and Innovation with Bart Peerless and Sir Nicholas Coleridge
In this episode of *Hidden Heritage*, host Violet Manners sits down with Sir Nicholas Coleridge, former Chair of Condé Nast, Provost of Eton College, and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces, alongside Bart Peerless, Senior Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, to discuss the evolving challenges and...
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Timeless Brushes: Exploring Art, Heritage, and Portraiture with Phoebe Dickinson
Dive into the world of British artist Phoebe Dickinson, renowned for her evocative landscape, portrait, and still-life paintings in oils. Classically trained at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Phoebe has showcased her work in solo exhibitions and prestigious galleries, earning accolades…
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Beyond Tourism: The Societal Impact of Heritage Sites
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by Bernard Donoghue, CEO and Director of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions). Bernard shares his insights into the UK's heritage sector, the challenges it faces, and his vision for its future.Join us as we...
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Healing History: How Broughton Sanctuary is Reshaping Estate Management with Roger Tempest
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! Roger Tempest, the 32nd custodian of Broughton Sanctuary (formerly Broughton Hall Estate) in North Yorkshire, joins Lady Violet Manners in this episode. Roger shares the fascinating history of Broughton and how he has transformed it into a centre for wellbeing and...
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Ghosts, Legends, and Royal Tales: Exploring Glamis Castle with Ingrid Thomson
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by Ingrid Thomson, archivist at Glamis Castle. Ingrid shares fascinating insights into the history, legends, and preservation efforts at this iconic Scottish landmark. Join us as we explore: The rich history of Glamis...
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Natural Capital: Reimagining Estate Management for the Future
Welcome to a special episode of Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by two exceptional guests: Molly Biddell, head of natural capital for Knepp Estate in West Sussex, and Katie Talbot, a tax trusts and succession lawyer for Charles Russell Speechlys. Join us as we...
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Handcrafted British Heritage: Emma Bridgewater's Timeless Pottery
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! Emma Bridgewater, CBE, a renowned designer, businesswoman, and accomplished potter, joins Lady Violet Manners in this episode. Emma entered the pottery business in 1985 and has since become one of the foremost designers of British homeware and one of the UK's most...
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End of Series One Update
Hello, heritage enthusiasts! Welcome to the finale of our first series of Hidden Heritage. I'm your host, Lady Violet Manners, and I've had the pleasure of delving into the stories behind some of Britain's most cherished historic houses and gardens over the past 3 months. We've had incredible...
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The British Love Affair with Gardens: James Alexander-Sinclair's Top Garden Destinations
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is thrilled to bring you a conversation with the legendary gardener, broadcaster, and writer, James Alexander-Sinclair. James is one of the foremost garden designers on the planet, having designed gardens from Cornwall to the…
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From Soil to Society: Regenerative Farming's Role in Reviving Culture
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by Harrison Fannon, founder of Worthy Earth. Harrison shares his journey of creating flourishing market gardens on disused farmland and discusses the importance of heritage, sustainability, and community impact. Join us as...
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The Art of Meaningful Collecting: Advice from Sotheby's Expert David Macdonald
Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where Lady Violet Manners explores Great Britain's historical treasures. David Macdonald, a Senior Director at Sotheby's and a specialist in valuing and selling both modern and antique valuables, joins Violet in this episode. Join us as we explore: David's Journey…
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Unveiling Heritage Explore: A Digital Gateway to Britain's Hidden Treasures
Georgia Willis, a passionate art history student and Heritage Explore intern, is joining Lady Violet Manners at Hidden Heritage. In this special episode, Georgia takes the hosting reins to discuss the innovative new platform, Heritage Explore, and its mission to illuminate Great Britain's hidden...
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Unlocking the Legacy of Lamport Hall: A Conversation with Eleanor Carter-Smith
Step inside the timeless elegance of Lamport Hall as Hidden Heritage delves into the world of historical houses and the remarkable woman leading its preservation. In this episode of Hidden Heritage, host Lady Violet Manners invites listeners to embark on a journey through the hallowed halls of...
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Castle Ward: The Franken House of Ireland with Geoff Heath-Taylor
Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where the rich tapestry of Great Britain's historical treasures comes to life. Geoff Heath-Taylor, a renowned historian and author, joins Lady Violet Manners in this episode as they travel through the tenacity of cultural artifacts, the beauty of historic homes, and…
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From Durham to Belvoir: A Journey Through John Goodall’s Hidden Heritage
Step inside British history with Hidden Heritage, the podcast that uncovers the stories behind the nation's most beloved destinations. Join host Lady Violet Manners, as she delves into the architectural wonders, family histories, and cultural gems that make up the fabric of British heritage. In...
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The Dark History of the Hellfire Caves Revealed by Victoria Dashwood Chase
In this episode of Hidden Heritage, listeners are in for a treat as Lady Violet Manners takes them on an entrancing journey into the heart of the illustrious Hellfire Caves with Victoria Dashwood Chase. Unravel the mystique surrounding these ancient underground passages, delve into their…
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Exploring Sacred Grounds and Pilgrimage Routes with Guy Hayward
Step inside the world of hidden heritage as Lady Violet Manners invites you to embark on a journey of discovery in the latest episode of the podcast. Joining her is Dr. Guy Hayward, co-founder of the British Pilgrim Trust, to unravel the timeless allure of pilgrimage and the profound connection…
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Icons of Fashion at Blenheim Palace with Kate Ballenger
Welcome to this episode of Hidden Heritage, where we invite you to step into the extraordinary world of Blenheim Palace, a true gem of British heritage. Immerse yourself in the allure of this non-royal palace, a designated World Heritage site, with host Violet Manners. In this episode, we have…
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Discovering Secret Histories: Alice Loxton's Top 3 UK Destinations
Welcome to Hidden Heritage! In this episode, our host, Lady Violet Manners, is thrilled to bring you an enchanting conversation with the remarkable Alice Loxton, a passionate author, historian, and social media influencer. Together, they delve into the realm of historic buildings, untold stories,...
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The Future of UK Tourism with Visit Britain CEO Patricia Yates
Welcome to Hidden Heritage, where we invite you to delve into the captivating world of British heritage! In this episode, you'll join host Lady Violet Manners as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Patricia Yates, CEO of Visit Britain, to uncover the intriguing blend of history…
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Welcome To Hidden Heritage
Welcome to Hidden Heritage – the podcast that brings you inside Great Britain’s favourite destinations with help from custodians, historians, artisans and experts. From the same team that brought you the No.1 History podcast Duchess, Hidden Heritage uncovers the fascinating stories behind the UK...
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The Architecture of Knowsley Hall (Bonus Episode)
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...
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Knowsley Hall Park & Gardens; the 13th Earl’s Aviary & Menagerie, Edward Lear; and the Safari Park
Episode 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...
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The ‘Political’ Earls of Derby 1820 – 1950
Episode 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…
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The Earls of Derby & Horse Racing through the Centuries
Episode 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...
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The Derby Collection
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...
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The Earls of Derby and Shakespearean Theatre 1580-2023
Episode 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...
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Knowsley Hall, Lathom House and the Stanley family 1385-1651
Episode 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...
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Season 5: The Knowsley Hall Special trailer
Welcome back to Duchess - the podcast that travels to the most historic homes in the UK & Ireland to meet the custodians who lead them today. This series, the podcast will be hosted by the 19th Countess of Derby - who will embark on a fascinating journey through the history of the Stanley family...
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The Duchess of Rutland's Special Announced for Season 5
The Duchess of Rutland is back to make a very special announced about the upcoming season of Duchess For season five, the podcast will be hosted by a fan favourite guest from Season 1 - the Countess of Derby - as she embarks on a fascinating and revealing journey through the history of the…
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Belvoir Special Ep. 6: The Business of Belvoir
Episode Description: For our final episode of this very special series, the Duchess will be meeting with the CEO of Belvoir Castle, Emma Stenning, to discuss the business of Belvoir: past, present and future. In their conversation, the Duchess explains how historically a family like the Manners...
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Belvoir Special Ep. 5: Art, Heirlooms and Interiors
Episode Description: This week on Duchess, our host meets Orlando Rock chairman of Christie's to talk about the art & heirlooms of Belvoir Castle. In their conversation, the Duchess learns about the fascinating history of the 'Grand Tour', Orlando explains the key to evaluating a piece of art’s...
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Belvoir Special Ep. 4: Gardens & Legends
Episode Description: This week on the podcast, the Duchess meets Belvoir's head gardener, Tom Webster, who walks us through the gorgeous gardens of Belvoir. During their conversation, the Duchess learns about Tom’s fascinating gardening philosophy, Tom explains how he brought back the old…
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Belvoir Special Ep. 3: The Role of Woman and Life as a Duchess
Episode Description: In this week’s episode, the Duchess meets Belvoir Castle’s archivist, Vicki Perry, to discuss the fascinating history of women at Belvoir Castle. In the show, Vicki will be sharing never before revealed letters and stories from the many extraordinary women who helped make...
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Belvoir Special Ep. 2: Architecture & History
Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess will be meeting the Duke’s private secretary - Harvey Proctor - to discuss the architecture of Belvoir Castle, the history behind the four castles of Belvoir, and how the effects of a disastrous 19th century fire can still be seen today. Then…
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Belvoir Special Ep. 1: Meet My Mum
Episode Description: On the first episode of this new season, the Duchess sits down with her beloved mother, Roma, to discuss their family life in Wales, the Duchess explains how it prepared her for a life in custodianship and we learn what Roma’s family really thought about her daughter joining...
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Season 4 Trailer
Throughout the journey of this podcast, the Duchess of Rutland has met many extraordinary people, learned so much about the nature of custodianship, and has felt privileged to explore the the UK's finest private heritage. But now, the Duchess wants to share the story of her home with you…
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Viscountess Gage of Firle Place
Episode Description: In this episode, The Duchess meets Viscountess Gage of Firle Place. Lady Gage share with us the incredible art collection at Firle, we learn about the eclectic female poet that became a central figure in Christian mysticism. Emma also talks to Lady Gage about why Firle Place…
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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...
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Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall
Episode Description: In this episode, the Duchess meets online with Paris Ackrill of Broughton Hall & 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...
About this show
Hosted by Violet Manners — Viscountess Garnock (née Lady Violet Manners) — this series explores the lives of those shaped, influenced or quietly drawn towards heritage.
Some guests grew up inside historic houses, as Violet did.Some work behind the scenes preserving them.Others simply fell in love with old places and found that fascination shaping the course of their lives.
These are conversations about ambition, memory, risk, family and belonging — with heritage woven throughout.
Because heritage is never just about buildings.
It is about the people drawn to them, shaped by them, and sometimes changed because of them.
Hosted by
HeritageXplore