Hidden Heritage

HeritageXplore
Hidden Heritage Podcast

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 brightest hidden gems. With the help from the biggest voices within British heritage, Hidden Heritage will explore some of the key challenges facing national heritage today and how they can be addressed. Hosted by Lady Violet Manners, founder of HeritageX and Executive Producer of the hit podcast Duchess, this podcast shares the untold & unique stories that celebrate UK heritage. From landmarks to architecture, artefacts to myths & legends, Hidden Heritage will highlight a side to British history you have never seen before. This is Hidden Heritage.

  1. Handcrafted British Heritage: Emma Bridgewater's Timeless Pottery

    5 DAYS AGO

    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 recognisable entrepreneurs.Join us as we explore: Emma's Journey: From her early inspiration to founding one of the largest pottery manufacturers in the UK. British Design and Heritage: How British culture and landscapes have influenced Emma's designs over the years. Manufacturing in the UK: The challenges and opportunities in British manufacturing and Emma's passion for local production. The Future of Emma Bridgewater: Exciting new projects and developments, including collaborations with the next generation. Key Points 00:00:04 - Introduction of Emma Bridgewater and her background in pottery. 00:01:31 - Emma discusses her childhood and early influences. 00:03:12 - The inspiration behind starting her pottery business. 00:05:01 - Emma's first experiences in Stoke-on-Trent and the pottery industry. 00:10:09 - Discussion of the first items produced and early business challenges. 00:15:02 - The history of pottery in Britain and Wedgwood's influence. 00:24:17 - Emma's first destination recommendation: North Norfolk Marshes. 00:27:55 - The influence of British nature and landscapes on Emma's designs. 00:36:50 - Challenges facing British manufacturing and pottery. 00:40:07 - Emma's second destination recommendation: Port Meadow in Oxford. 00:42:29 - New projects and developments at Emma Bridgewater. 00:46:03 - Discussion on sustainability in the pottery industry. 00:51:26 - Emma's favorite tea and toast preferences. 00:54:20 - Emma's third destination recommendation: Offa's Dyke Path. Guest Info Emma Bridgewater, CBE is a British designer and businesswoman who founded the Emma Bridgewater pottery company in 1985. Her company is now one of the largest pottery manufacturers based entirely in the UK, with most products made in the Emma Bridgewater factory in Stoke-on-Trent. About Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources Emma Bridgewater Official Website North Norfolk Coast Port Meadow, Oxford Offa's Dyke Path Stoke-on-Trent Potteries Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    60 min
  2. The British Love Affair with Gardens: James Alexander-Sinclair's Top Garden Destinations

    15 AUG

    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 Western Isles, from London to Moscow. He is also an award-winning writer, frequent broadcaster, and served 10 years as a member of the council of the Royal Horticultural Society. Join us as we explore: James's Journey: From his accidental start in gardening to becoming a renowned garden designer and broadcaster. The British Love for Gardening: Insights into why gardening is so deeply embedded in British culture and the challenges it faces today. Designing Gardens: The principles of garden design and the importance of adapting gardens to their architectural and environmental context. Top Garden Destinations: James shares his top three garden destination recommendations and what makes them special. Key Points 00:00:04 - Introduction of James Alexander-Sinclair and his background. 00:01:26 - James describes his multifaceted career in gardening. 00:02:55 - How James's passion for gardening began. 00:04:19 - Transition from city gardens to larger countryside projects. 00:06:53 - Principles of garden design and the importance of context. 00:09:21 - James's first destination recommendation: Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens in Cornwall. 00:16:12 - The role of storytelling in garden design. 00:18:15 - Current projects and the importance of forward-thinking in garden design. 00:24:52 - The significance of gardens in historic houses. 00:30:27 - James's second destination recommendation: RHS Hyde Hall in Essex. 00:41:44 - The future of gardening and the impact of climate change. 00:50:02 - James's third destination recommendation: Rousham House and Gardens in Oxfordshire. 01:00:35 - Conclusion and where to find more information about James and his work. Guest Info James Alexander-Sinclair is a renowned garden designer, writer, and broadcaster. With a career spanning several decades, James has designed gardens across the globe and contributed extensively to gardening literature and media. He is a regular columnist for Gardener's World Magazine and has presented numerous gardening programs for the BBC. About Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources James Alexander-Sinclair's Website Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens RHS Hyde Hall Rousham House and Gardens Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m
  3. From Soil to Society: Regenerative Farming's Role in Reviving Culture

    8 AUG

    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 we explore: Introducing Harrison Fannon: Harrison's background and his passion for heritage and sustainable farming. The Role of Historic Houses: How historic houses serve as community beacons and their ongoing significance. Injecting the Past into Historic Lands: Harrison's current work and how he aims to revive historical significance in contemporary contexts. Upcoming Event Details: Information about the Worthy Earth Festival, a harvest celebration that highlights community involvement and sustainability. Key Points 00:00:05 - Introduction of Harrison Fannon and discussion on his background. 00:01:42 - Harrison shares how Worthy Earth began and its mission. 00:03:45 - The significance of no-dig gardening and its benefits. 00:06:03 - Expansion of Worthy Earth to multiple sites, including Blenheim Palace. 00:08:15 - The role of walled gardens and their historical importance. 00:10:10 - Challenges faced by historic houses and the importance of local food production. 00:15:01 - Current projects at Worthy Earth, including partnerships with estates and universities. 00:24:40 - Introduction of the Worthy Earth Festival and its significance. 00:27:54 - The concept of the autumn equinox and its historical context. 00:30:44 - The future of regenerative farming and its impact on heritage sites. 00:41:21 - Harrison's final destination recommendation: Lowther Castle. Guest Info Harrison Fannon is the founder of Worthy Earth, an initiative focused on creating sustainable market gardens on disused farmland. With a background in archaeology and anthropology, Harrison has combined his passion for heritage and sustainable farming to make a positive impact on local communities. About Hidden Heritage is a podcast that sheds light on Britain's historical treasures. Join us as we explore heritage's role in community and identity. Links and Resources Worthy Earth - Learn more about Harrison's work and upcoming events. Heritage Explore - Visit for more information about heritage sites across the UK. Blenheim Palace Rotherfield Park Good Food Oxfordshire Lowther Castle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    49 min
  4. The Art of Meaningful Collecting: Advice from Sotheby's Expert David Macdonald

    1 AUG

    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: From auction house porter to Senior Director at Sotheby's, David shares his fascinating career path. Valuing Historic Items: Insights into the art market and the importance of storytelling in preserving and selling cultural artefacts. Favourite Experiences and Objects: David recounts some of the most remarkable items and experiences from his career. Historic Destination Recommendations: David provides his top three historic house recommendations for enthusiasts. Key Points 00:00:05 - Introduction of David Macdonald and his background. 00:01:28 - David shares his career journey and passion for history. 00:03:34 - Early experiences at Christie's and Sotheby's. 00:05:01 - The significance of attic sales and their origins. 00:07:25 - The tension between preservation and moving on. 00:11:57 - David's first destination recommendation: Calke Abbey. 00:21:10 - The role of an auctioneer and the skills required. 00:24:02 - Importance of single-owner sales in the auction world. 00:25:49 - David's favourite treasures: Churchill's dispatch box and Lady Chatterley's Lover's judge's copy. 00:32:46 - The impact of losing historic houses and the significance of Hamilton Palace. 00:36:50 - David's second destination recommendation: Plas Newydd. 00:47:29 - Future collectors and the role of Sotheby's. 00:51:57 - David's third destination recommendation: Spetchley Park. 01:04:05 - Conclusion and where to find more information about David and Sotheby's. Guest Info David Macdonald is a Senior Director at Sotheby's, specializing in the sale of contemporary and historic valuables. With a career spanning over two decades, David has become a leading expert in the art market, known for his ability to identify and value significant cultural artefacts. About Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources Sotheby's Calke Abbey Plas Newydd Spetchley Park Gardens Hamilton Palace Chatsworth House Castle Howard Harwood House Wentworth Woodhouse Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 8m
  5. Unveiling Heritage Explore: A Digital Gateway to Britain's Hidden Treasures

    24 JUL

    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 historic treasures. Join us as we explore: The inspiration behind Heritage Explore: Violet shares stories from her travels and the "Duchess" podcast that sparked the creation of a unified platform for independent historic houses. The future of Heritage Explore: Discussing exciting new features such as AI audio tours and interactive maps, designed to enhance visitor experiences. Personal recommendations: Violet provides her top three historic destination picks for the summer, including the haunted Glamis Castle and the romantic ruins of Dunnottar Castle. The impact on young people: Georgia and Violet discuss how engaging with heritage can provide a sense of identity and grounding for the younger generation. Key Points: 00:00:05 Introduction of Georgia Willis as guest host 00:01:03 Violet introduces herself and her background at Belvoir Castle 00:03:53 Inspiration behind creating Heritage Explore 00:08:19 Explanation of Heritage Explore's features and future plans 00:13:15 Violet's favourite features on Heritage Explore 00:16:38 Underutilized features on the platform 00:18:59 Violet's top three historic destination recommendations for summer 00:24:52 Georgia's thoughts on British culture and heritage 00:25:41 Special discount code for listeners (HX 24) Guest Info: Georgia Willis is an art history student from Birmingham University with a keen interest in heritage, culture, and architecture. She has spent five weeks interning at Heritage Explore, contributing her enthusiasm and insights to the burgeoning platform's mission to make British heritage accessible to all. About: Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens, and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources: HeritageXplore Glamis Castle Lamport Hall Dunnottar Castle Belvoir Castle Traquair House Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    28 min
  6. Unlocking the Legacy of Lamport Hall: A Conversation with Eleanor Carter-Smith

    18 JUL

    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 Lamport Hall, under the guidance of esteemed guest Eleanor Carter-Smith, head of enterprise for Lamport Hall's Preservation Trust. As they explore the rich tapestry of history woven into the estate, they shed light on the significance of maintaining and diversifying historic houses in the modern era. Join the conversation as they delve into the allure of historic houses, the captivating details of Lamport's interior, and the fascinating insight into the family history of the Isham family. Soak in the wisdom of Eleanor Carter-Smith as she shares her vision for the future of Lamport, her pursuit of preserving history, and the array of exciting events awaiting visitors at this timeless treasure. Key Points: 00:00:05 Introduction to the Hidden Heritage podcast and guest Eleanor Carter-Smith 00:01:35 Eleanor Carter-Smith's background and role at Lamport Hall 00:03:06 Description and history of Lamport Hall 00:04:05 Overview of Lamport Hall's construction and the Isham family 00:06:03 Architectural features and periods of Lamport Hall 00:06:43 Notable figures associated with Lamport Hall 00:07:18 Sir Thomas Isham's Grand Tour and its impact on the estate 00:08:41 Stories and preservation of the Isham family records 00:10:11 Sir Charles Isham's eccentricities and creation of the garden gnome 00:11:27 Description of the rockery and its restoration 00:13:43 The mural painted by Italian prisoners of war in the stables 00:16:33 Lamport Hall's role in the local community and its features 00:17:07 The preservation trust and its establishment in 1974 00:18:35 Challenges faced by Lamport Hall during and after World War II 00:21:15 Current challenges of running a historic house 00:24:30 Favourite rooms and features of Lamport Hall Guest Info Eleanor Carter-Smith is Head of Enterprises for Lamport Hall's Preservation Trust. With over a decade of experience in the heritage sector, Eleanor's journey with Lamport Hall began as an intern during her MA in Country House Art History and Literature at the University of Leicester. Her passion for the estate led her to return after gaining valuable experience at other historic houses, including Rockingham Castle and Delapre Abbey. Eleanor's role focuses on aligning the Trust's vision with visitor expectations and community needs. She is particularly interested in making historic houses commercially relevant while preserving their cultural significance. Living on-site at Lamport Hall, Eleanor brings a unique perspective to her work, combining a deep appreciation for the estate's rich history with innovative approaches to ensure its sustainable future. About: Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources: Lamport Hall Lamport Hall Preservation Trust Eleanor Carter-Smith Violet Manners University of Leicester Rockingham Castle Delapre Abbey Northamptonshire Lord Burghley (William Cecil) Isham family John Isham Palladio Inigo Jones Sir Thomas Isham Elizabeth Isham Mary Close Sir Charles Isham Sir Giles Isham The Crown (Netflix series) Historic Houses Gardeners' World Tate Joan Carlisle Richmond Park King West The Swan pub Coton Manor Holdenby House Kelmarsh Hall Deene Park Northampton Saints Silverstone Circuit Heritage X Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    44 min
  7. Castle Ward: The Franken House of Ireland with Geoff Heath-Taylor

    11 JUL

    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 the significance of preserving national identity. In this episode, Geoff Heath-Taylor discusses the loss of cultural artefacts during wars and revolutions, advocating for the restitution of looted goods. He also introduces the magnificent Chettle House in Dorset and the importance of historic houses in shaping culture. Moreover, they unravel the challenges faced by historic houses today, from financial hardships to the disconnect between city and country dwellers. Key Points: 00:00:05 Introduction of Geoff Heath-Taylor and his background 00:01:31 Geoff discusses his upbringing in Africa and England 00:02:21 Explanation of Geoff's diverse interests and career as a writer 00:03:34 Discussion of how losing family land in Africa influenced Geoff's interest in heritage 00:05:14 Conversation about the beauty and inspiration of historic buildings 00:06:38 Geoff talks about his love of writing and first job at Country Life magazine 00:08:00 Introduction of Castle Ward as Geoff's first destination recommendation 00:11:08 Explanation of challenges faced by historic houses today 00:13:11 Discussion of Wentworth Woodhouse and its history 00:17:46 Conversation about the loss of country houses after World War II 00:21:14 Geoff explains his view on objective beauty in architecture 00:24:43 Discussion of the Country House podcast and its educational aims 00:27:04 Conversation about art losses during World War II and the Nazi regime 00:29:02 Introduction of Chettle House as Geoff's second destination recommendation 00:32:46 Discussion on government's role in preserving national heritage 00:41:44 Introduction of Holkham Hall as Geoff's third destination recommendation Guest Info Geoff Heath-Taylor is a versatile professional with a background in journalism, consulting, and academia. Raised in Africa and the English countryside, he began his career as an in-house writer for *Country Life* magazine. He has contributed to numerous publications, including *The Telegraph*, *The Daily Mail*, *The Spectator*, *Tatler*, and *Vanity Fair*, and has appeared as a cultural commentator on television and podcasts. As a consultant, Geoff advises private family offices globally on education, art, interiors, and philanthropy, and has also advised governments on policy related to education and the built environment. He lectures at universities on education, liberty, architecture, and the philosophy of beauty. Geoff holds a BA in History from the University of Exeter. Step inside Britain’s greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritageXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit www.heritagexplore.com Links and Resources: "Woman in Gold" film Chettle House in Dorset "Amazing Grace" film St Giles Lord Shaftesbury National Trust Country Life magazine Holcombe Hall in Norfolk "The Trumpet of Liberty" poem Castle Ward in Northern Ireland Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    52 min

Trailers

About

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 brightest hidden gems. With the help from the biggest voices within British heritage, Hidden Heritage will explore some of the key challenges facing national heritage today and how they can be addressed. Hosted by Lady Violet Manners, founder of HeritageX and Executive Producer of the hit podcast Duchess, this podcast shares the untold & unique stories that celebrate UK heritage. From landmarks to architecture, artefacts to myths & legends, Hidden Heritage will highlight a side to British history you have never seen before. This is Hidden Heritage.

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