Duchess OneFinePlay

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 would have made their money, the Duchess reveals to Emma when she plans to retire, and we finally learn who has more staff - Belvoir or the Beckhams!
Top Quotes:
“I think of you [The Duchess of Rutland] as the artistic director of Belvoir. You have so many ideas, such great clarity of vision. I’ve worked with so many great artists and you’re another one.” - Emma Stenning
“This is a theatre. Life’s a stage and I’m just playing the game. I will always be miss Emma Watkins - that Welsh farmer’s daughter.” - Duchess of Rutland
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
https://www.belvoircastle.com/cinderella-at-belvoir/
This podcast was sponsored by BetterHelp. To Learn more and save 10% off your first month visit BetterHelp.com/duchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 value, and the Duchess asks Orlando what his favourite heirloom from Belvoir is.
Later in the episode, the Duchess meets with Emma Burns and Philip Hooper: joint manager directors of historic British interior design house Sybil Colefax & John Fowler - to discuss the history of interior design at Belvoir Castle. In their conversation, the Duchess asks why travel dictated tastes of the past, Philip & Emma go through the exciting work they completed on a suite of rooms at Belvoir, and they pick their favourite rooms in the castle.
Top Quotes:
“I believe people should use and enjoy the works of art that they have. Houses really come alive when there are families living around them and enjoying them. I believe that’s the lifeblood of heritage” - Orlando Rock
“Everything to do with Belvoir’s design is about showing strength and power, yet at the same time bringing comfort to the people inside.” - Emma Burns
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
https://www.sibylcolefax.com/belvoir-castlein-colaboration-with-de-gournay/
This podcast was sponsored by BetterHelp. To Learn more and save 10% off your first month visit Better Help.com/duchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 fragrance of Belvoir, and why roses are the way to a woman’s heart.
Later in the episode, the Duchess meets one of the estate’s top tour guides to discuss the legends of Belvoir - where the Duchess learns about the most haunted rooms in the castle, why one must discourage paranormal activity, and the tragic story of the ‘witches’ of Belvoir.
Top Quotes:
“From my own personal perspective, I like to keep the integrity of these gardens. Of course, no garden stands still and you have to keep changing them. But they have to be sympathetic changes.” - Tom Webster
“I’ve never felt frightened here. I’ve only ever felt a warmth. I may not have felt alone, but I’ve never felt afraid.” - Olivia Jojoo
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
https://www.belvoircastle.com/cinderella-at-belvoir/
This podcast was sponsored by BetterHelp. To Learn more and save 10% off your first month visit Better Help.com/duchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Belvoir what it is today.
Later in the show, the Duchess will then sit down with her daughter, Violet, to talk about what the life of a duchess is really like - past and present - and how this podcast came to be made!
Top Quotes:
“Each of the women we’ve had on the podcast up to this point have been completely different in character, but what unifies them all is their absolute determination to see heritage reimagined.” - Violet Manners
“When it comes to running one of these homes, you never feel it belongs to you. You’re just a custodian.” - Duchess of Rutland
About Belvoir Castle:
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
https://www.belvoircastle.com/cinderella-at-belvoir/
This podcast is sponsored by BetterHelp. To Learn more and save 10% off your first month visit BetterHelp.com/duchess
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 later in the show, the Duchess will be joined by the Duke of Rutland to discuss the history of the Manners family, to learn where the Manners family truly came from, and to get an insight into the many notable figures that make up Belvoir's past.
Top Quotes:
“If I had to describe Belvoir Castle in one word? Magnificent.” - Harvey Proctor
“It’s important to log these archives because you’re preserving the past. And if you don’t know the past and the present you can’t move forward.” - The Duke of Rutland
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 the aristocracy.
Top Quotes:
“The ethic of work and not the achievement of what it brings is whats important. Of course, nothing at Belvoir will ever be mine but the journey of making it successful is what brings me so much pleasure.” - Duchess of Rutland
“Its through the hardship that you gain strength.” - Duchess of Rutland
About Belvoir Castle:
Belvoir Castle is a 16,000-acre estate in Leicestershire, it’s history dates back to the 11th century in 1067. Crowning a hill, the Castle’s turrets and towers rise over the Vale of Belvoir, designed by the legendary landscape architect Capability Brown. The Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations of the Manners family, and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the renowned architect of Windsor Castle, designed the remodelled the Castle between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is one of the finest examples of Regency architecture in Britain and a modern working estate. In addition, the gardens have undergone several major changes over the centuries – the latest being a two-year restoration programme by the present Duchess to bring the lost plans of Capability Brown to fruition in 2016.
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/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices