Living History with the Countess of Derby

The Countess Of Derby
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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 the Epsom Derby, we explore the rich tapestry of history that continues to influence us today. Inspired by my research and the response to these stories, I’m excited to share even more. Over the last few years, I’ve focused on publishing the travel journals of Edward Geoffrey Smith Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, detailing his journeys through Europe in the 1820s and across America and Canada in the 1820s. These travels offer a vivid snapshot of the 19th century and its many transformations. You can learn more about these books by visiting www.thecountessofderby.com. In this podcast, we’ll dive into the complexities of 19th-century America, the Revolutionary War’s key moments, and the life of my ancestor, General Charles Cornwallis, including his role in the surrender at Yorktown in 1781. We’ll also explore more of the 14th Earl of Derby’s travels and the unique historical insights they provide. To stay updated on new episodes, follow “Living History with the Countess of Derby” on your preferred podcast platform. Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to sharing more fascinating stories with you!

  1. FEB 5

    Legacy and Lessons - Andrew O’Shaughnessy

    The surrender at Yorktown is often remembered as the end of one story - Britain defeated, America free. But in reality, it was also the beginning of another: a reshaping of Anglo-American relations that continues to echo today. Andrew O'Shaughnessy joins us to reflect on Cornwallis’s legacy, both as a man and as a symbol of imperial change. Far from a coward, Cornwallis emerges as a complex reformer and loyalist, a man caught between sympathy for the colonies and devotion to empire. What can his story teach us about leadership, defeat, and the rewriting of history? About the Host: The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area. Resources: Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/ Produced by https://www.onefineplay.com/

    24 min

  2. JAN 29

    The Secret Surrender - Dr Iris de Rode

    The surrender at Yorktown is often remembered as a simple, symbolic defeat. But in reality, it was layered with diplomacy, ritual, and quiet gestures of civility. PhD researcher Iris joins us to examine Cornwallis’s absence from the public ceremony - often branded as cowardice - and to reveal a far more significant encounter: Cornwallis’s private meeting with Washington in the general’s oval tent. Eyewitness accounts suggest Cornwallis was cordial, speaking fluent French to Rochambeau before being left alone with Washington. This moment of civility between adversaries may represent not just the surrender of an army, but the beginning of a tradition of peaceful transference of power - an echo, even, of the Oval Office meetings between outgoing and incoming presidents on inauguration day. Far from cowardice, Cornwallis’s actions reveal a man engaged in quiet diplomacy at a pivotal moment in history. About the Host: The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area. Resources: Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/ Produced by https://www.onefineplay.com/

    36 min

  3. JAN 22

    The Battle Unfolds - Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy

    The Siege of Yorktown was brutal, chaotic, and decisive. In this episode, Historian Andrew O’Shaughnessy takes us inside the battle: the strategies, the setbacks, the personal stories that reveal the human cost of war. French forces, enslaved fighters, and local civilians all played crucial roles. At the centre of it all stood Cornwallis, a general tasked with holding the line against impossible odds. Was he a reckless commander, a victim of circumstance, or a pragmatic soldier left isolated by poor support from London? By placing Cornwallis within the drama of the battlefield, we see not just defeat, but the burden of command. About the Host: The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area. Resources: Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/ Produced by https://www.onefineplay.com/

    33 min

  4. JAN 15

    Prelude to Conflict - Andrew Roberts & Andrew O’Shaughnessy

    The American Revolution was not just a colonial conflict, it was also a crisis of politics, power, and identity in Britain itself. In this opening episode, Andrew Roberts and Andrew O’Shaughnessy join us to explore how British politics shaped the path to Yorktown and beyond. We discuss Charles Cornwallis’s early opposition to the Stamp Act, his sympathy for colonial grievances, and his evolution into one of Britain’s leading commanders in America. At the same time, we turn to the aftermath of Yorktown, when George III resisted calls for peace and remained determined to continue the war. This episode sets the stage for the whole series: the drama of Cornwallis, the siege, and the surrender to come, but also the political battles in London that would determine whether America’s independence was truly recognised. About the Host: The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area. Resources: Book your private stay today: https://knowsley.com/privatestays/ Produced by www.onefineplay.com

    26 min

  5. SEASON 2 TRAILER

    Trailer - Tribute to Charles Cornwallis

    Diplomacy and Defeat: The Untold Story of Yorktown In the first season of Tribute, I explored the Legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby, a man whose instincts for reform and conciliation helped to ease tensions at home and steer Britain away from potential revolutionary upheaval. In this new season, we turn our attention to a figure, and an event, where reform proved insufficient, and the consequences reverberated across the globe. We pay tribute not only to General Charles Cornwallis, but also to the defining moment he is forever tied to: the surrender at Yorktown, which marked the turning point in the American Revolution and the birth of a new nation. Cornwallis is too often remembered as the coward who refused to attend the surrender. But behind that caricature lies a more complex man: an officer who had once sympathised with colonial grievances, a pragmatist caught between duty to empire and recognition of change, and a pivotal character in one of history’s most significant revolutions. Through new insights and conversations with leading historians, this series reframes Yorktown as not just a story of defeat, but of diplomacy, transition, and the origins of modern America.

    2 min
  6. Tribute: The Literary Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby

    04/03/2025

    Tribute: The Literary Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby

    Episode 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 different cultures and ideas influenced some of the great novels of his time, and his own writings—including poetry and translations—left a lasting mark. His travel journals, rich with firsthand observations on society and race, offer a unique historical lens into the 19th century. But perhaps the most profound impact of his journeys was his unwavering commitment to justice. Witnessing slavery firsthand strengthened his resolve to fight for abolition, leading to one of his greatest political achievements—the 1833 Abolition of Slavery Act in the British colonies. As we conclude our series, we ask: can the Forgotten Prime Minister finally take his place among history’s great leaders? Join us as we take this final step in rediscovering the remarkable life and legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby. Timestamps: 00:00 Earl's Legacy: Humanity and Reform 04:43 Stanley's Immersive Cultural Journey 08:17 Influence of "Childe Harold's Pilgrimage 11:38 Romantic Banishment and Reconciliation 13:33 Dickens and Darby's Unexpected Connection 16:55 Grueling Historic Travel Adventures 21:23 Need for Politicians’ Global Outlook 24:06 Stanley's 1812 Post-War Travel Diary 26:25 Stanley's Perspective on Native Peoples 30:20 Fun-Loving Spirit in Young Leader 33:28 Birth of Antislavery Movements 36:55 Slavery, Women's Exploitation, and Derby's Respect 40:21 Slavery's Global Historical Impact 42:55 British Travel Journals Condemn Slavery 46:34 Exploring Race: Nature vs. Nurture 49:56 Contentious Abolition and Compensation Debate 54:26 Legacy of Flawed Historical Figures 57:49 Edward Geoffrey Stanley: A Legacy Unveiled 59:09 Team Credits and Acknowledgments About the Host: Caroline Derby, Countess of Derby is a historian, writer, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of her family’s storied history. As a steward of Knowsley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Stanley family, she plays a key role in maintaining its rich heritage while championing contemporary initiatives in education, conservation, and the arts. With a deep passion for historical storytelling, Caroline brings a personal perspective to Tribute, exploring the life and influence of one of her most remarkable ancestors—the 14th Earl of Derby. About the Guests: Dr. Jeannie Grant Moore is a historian specialising in 19th-century British and Irish history, with a focus on politics, education, and national identity. Her work sheds light on the 14th Earl of Derby’s efforts to bridge religious and social divides through education reform. Dr. Lisa Francavilla is a historian specialising in 19th-century American and British history. She focuses on archival research, particularly travel journals, to uncover personal narratives that shaped political and cultural history. Her work explores how travel influenced political thought and social reform during this period. Dr. Stephen Lloyd is a historian, curator, and expert in British aristocratic collections. With extensive experience in managing and researching historical archives, he played a key role in uncovering the 14th Earl of Derby’s personal travel journals, shedding new light on his formative experiences in Italy and America. Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy is a historian specialising in the British Atlantic world, with a focus on political...

    1h 2m
  7. Tribute: The Fourteenth Earl of Derby's Legacy in Politics and Society

    03/27/2025

    Tribute: The Fourteenth Earl of Derby's Legacy in Politics and Society

    Episode 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 of racing broke down class barriers and how his 1831 Education Act for Ireland sought to bridge religious divides through learning. His travels abroad reinforced his commitment to social mobility and reform, but his efforts, particularly in Ireland, sparked controversy. From the racetrack to the classroom, the Earl’s legacy is one of progress and paradox. Join us as we continue to uncover the life of a leader who saw reform as the key to preservation. Timestamps: 00:00 "Exploring the Fourteenth Earl's Legacy" 05:27 Racing Enthusiasm and Struggles 07:49 Derby's Passion for Horse Racing 13:21 Legacy of the Racing Earl 14:45 Successful Racehorse Owner's Achievements 18:51 "Education: Key to Social Mobility" 23:43 Irish Immigration to Harsh Canada 26:50 British Economist on Irish Famine 29:47 Stanley's Educational Reforms for Harmony 32:27 Visionary Leadership and Religious Change 34:39 Exploring the Fourteenth Earl's Legacy About the Host: Caroline Derby, Countess of Derby is a historian, writer, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of her family’s storied history. As a steward of Knowsley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Stanley family, she plays a key role in maintaining its rich heritage while championing contemporary initiatives in education, conservation, and the arts. With a deep passion for historical storytelling, Caroline brings a personal perspective to Tribute, exploring the life and influence of one of her most remarkable ancestors—the 14th Earl of Derby. About the Guests: Alexandra Mayson is a historian and expert on British horse racing, with a particular focus on its social and political impact in the 19th century. She has extensively researched how figures like the 14th Earl of Derby transformed the sport, breaking down class barriers and shaping its modern legacy. Her work highlights the Earl’s philosophy that "all men were equal—above the turf and under it" and how this egalitarian outlook extended beyond racing into his political life. Dr. Stephen Lloyd is a historian, curator, and expert in British aristocratic collections. With extensive experience in managing and researching historical archives, he played a key role in uncovering the 14th Earl of Derby’s personal travel journals, shedding new light on his formative experiences in Italy and America. Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy is a historian specialising in the British Atlantic world, with a focus on political thought and transatlantic relationships. His expertise in 18th and 19th-century political philosophy provides crucial insight into how the Earl’s encounters with thinkers like Edmund Burke influenced his approach to governance. Dr. Jeannie Grant Moore is a historian specialising in 19th-century British and Irish history, with a focus on politics, education, and national identity. Her work sheds light on the 14th Earl of Derby’s efforts to bridge religious and social divides through education reform. Patrice Dallaire is a historian of British colonial policy in North America, examining its political and social impact. His expertise provides key insights into how the 14th Earl of Derby’s policies shaped Canada’s relationship with the British Crown. About the 14th Earl of Derby: Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) was a British...

    39 min
  8. Tribute: The Life and Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby

    03/20/2025

    Tribute: The Life and Legacy of the Fourteenth Earl of Derby

    Episode 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 progress. In this debut episode of Tribute, host Caroline Derby unpacks the Earl’s early life and the experiences that shaped his vision for change. With insights from historian Dr. Stephen Lloyd, we explore newly discovered travel journals that reveal his formative journeys through Italy and America. Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy introduces us to the philosophical influences that molded his political ideology, while Dr. Geoff Hicks delves into his landmark achievements—most notably the Jewish Relief Act and the Second Reform Act of 1867, which transformed British democracy. Join us as we rediscover the legacy of a leader whose impact continues to shape modern Britain. Timestamps: 00:00 - Introduction 01:10 - The Earl's Many Definitions 02:34 - Personal Writings Unveiled 10:26 - The Impact of Italy and America 18:06 - Political Achievements 27:46 - Managed Change Strategy 34:14 - The Second Reform Act of 1867 About the Host: Caroline Derby, Countess of Derby is a historian, writer, and cultural ambassador dedicated to preserving and sharing the legacy of her family’s storied history. As a steward of Knowsley Hall, the ancestral seat of the Stanley family, she plays a key role in maintaining its rich heritage while championing contemporary initiatives in education, conservation, and the arts. With a deep passion for historical storytelling, Caroline brings a personal perspective to Tribute, exploring the life and influence of one of her most remarkable ancestors—the 14th Earl of Derby. About the Guests: Dr. Stephen Lloyd is a historian, curator, and expert in British aristocratic collections. With extensive experience in managing and researching historical archives, he played a key role in uncovering the 14th Earl of Derby’s personal travel journals, shedding new light on his formative experiences in Italy and America. Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy is a historian specialising in the British Atlantic world, with a focus on political thought and transatlantic relationships. His expertise in 18th and 19th-century political philosophy provides crucial insight into how the Earl’s encounters with thinkers like Edmund Burke influenced his approach to governance. Dr. Geoff Hicks is a distinguished scholar of British political history, with a focus on 19th-century governance and conservative politics. His research into the 14th Earl’s leadership, particularly his role in passing the Jewish Relief Act and the Second Reform Act of 1867, highlights the Earl’s enduring impact on British democracy. About the Fourteenth Earl of Derby: Edward Smith-Stanley, 14th Earl of Derby (1799–1869) was a British statesman and the longest-serving leader of the Conservative Party. Often referred to as The Forgotten Prime Minister, he held the office three times and played a pivotal role in shaping 19th-century Britain. A reform-minded conservative, the Earl championed policies that balanced tradition with social progress. Beyond politics, he was a scholar, a traveler, and a patron of the arts and sciences, leaving a legacy that extends far beyond his time in office. About Knowsley Hall: Knowsley Hall, the ancestral home of the Stanley family for over 600 years, is one of England’s most historic estates. Located in Merseyside, it has been a center of political, social, and...

    52 min
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About

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 the Epsom Derby, we explore the rich tapestry of history that continues to influence us today. Inspired by my research and the response to these stories, I’m excited to share even more. Over the last few years, I’ve focused on publishing the travel journals of Edward Geoffrey Smith Stanley, the 14th Earl of Derby, detailing his journeys through Europe in the 1820s and across America and Canada in the 1820s. These travels offer a vivid snapshot of the 19th century and its many transformations. You can learn more about these books by visiting www.thecountessofderby.com. In this podcast, we’ll dive into the complexities of 19th-century America, the Revolutionary War’s key moments, and the life of my ancestor, General Charles Cornwallis, including his role in the surrender at Yorktown in 1781. We’ll also explore more of the 14th Earl of Derby’s travels and the unique historical insights they provide. To stay updated on new episodes, follow “Living History with the Countess of Derby” on your preferred podcast platform. Thank you for joining me, and I look forward to sharing more fascinating stories with you!

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