Hidden Heritage

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 explore: Bernard's journey from a childhood fascination with history to becoming a leading figure in the heritage sector The role of ALVA in advocating for and supporting the UK's most significant cultural and heritage sites The impact of recent global events on the heritage sector and strategies for recovery Bernard's top three destination recommendations for heritage enthusiasts Key Points 00:00:05 - Introduction of Bernard Donoghue and his background 00:01:28 - Bernard's early career and passion for heritage 00:03:34 - The definition and importance of heritage in the UK 00:05:01 - Bernard's experience at Visit Britain and the significance of tourism to the UK economy 00:07:25 - The role of film and TV in promoting heritage sites 00:10:37 - Bernard's first destination recommendation: Waddesdon Manor 00:15:02 - Discussion on the challenges facing the heritage sector post-pandemic 00:18:01 - Innovative approaches by heritage sites to attract visitors 00:24:17 - Bernard's second destination recommendation: Charleston 00:32:00 - The impact of technology on heritage experiences 00:41:21 - Bernard's vision for the future of heritage in the UK 00:54:20 - Bernard's third destination recommendation: Bristol Old Vic Theatre Guest Info Bernard Donoghue is the CEO and Director of ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions). He has a long-standing career in tourism and heritage, including roles at Visit Britain and as the Mayor of London's Ambassador for Cultural Tourism. Bernard was awarded an OBE in 2022 for services to tourism and culture. 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 ALVA (Association of Leading Visitor Attractions) Waddesdon Manor Charleston Bristol Old Vic Theatre Visit Britain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 Castle, from its mediaeval origins to its royal connections Intriguing figures associated with Glamis, including Janet Douglas and Mary Eleanor Bowes Famous ghost stories and legends surrounding the castle The role of an archivist in preserving and sharing Glamis' heritage Key Points 00:00:04 - Introduction of Ingrid Thomson and her role at Glamis Castle 00:01:44 - Overview of Glamis Castle's location and architectural history 00:05:35 - Discussion of early royal connections to Glamis 00:06:58 - The story of Janet Douglas, Lady Glamis 00:10:37 - Mary Eleanor Bowes and her remarkable life 00:18:20 - The Queen Mother's connection to Glamis Castle 00:20:33 - Glamis Castle's link to Shakespeare's Macbeth 00:23:25 - Famous ghost stories associated with Glamis 00:32:00 - Ingrid's work as an archivist and palaeographer 00:35:08 - Discussion of historical recipes and remedies found in the archives 00:41:21 - Ingrid's favourite rooms and features of Glamis Castle Guest Info Ingrid Thomson has been the archivist at Glamis Castle since 2010. She specialises in preserving and cataloguing historical documents, researching family and local history, and mounting exhibitions to share Glamis' rich heritage with the public. 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 Glamis Castle Official Website Historic Environment Scotland - Glamis Castle The Queen Mother's childhood at Glamis Shakespeare's Macbeth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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 this episode, architect and historian John Goodall shares his passion for ancestral connections in old buildings and the physical expression of this in churches. As he delves into the fascinating archives at Belvoir and unravels the remarkable story of a divided estate, listeners will discover the intricate human stories behind historic places. Tune in to uncover: The importance of experiencing historic places firsthand, and the significance of parish churches in understanding historical alterations. Insights and stories about the preservation and future of historic sites and buildings, shed light on the delicate balance between preservation and allowing change. The pleasures of British life, the impact of visiting historical places, and the cultural significance of heritage—from ancestral power to the unearthing of hidden treasures—. Uncover the hidden treasures of British heritage with Hidden Heritage, where culture and history come to life. Key Points: 00:00:05 Introduction of John Goodall and his background 00:01:35 John describes his role as architecture editor at Country Life 00:03:14 Origins of John's passion for architecture and heritage 00:05:04 John's early experiences writing for Country Life 00:06:47 Importance of visiting and experiencing historic places in person 00:08:21 Discussion of John's interest in mediaeval history 00:10:17 Description of John's doctoral research on Ewelm almshouse 00:15:03 John's first recommended destination: Durham 00:21:06 Challenges facing historic buildings and spaces 00:24:43 Impact of tax policies on preservation of heritage sites 00:32:21 John's second recommended destination: Madresfield 00:37:44 Discussion of British attitudes towards mediaeval history 00:41:13 Importance of preserving historic sites for future generations 00:45:51 Ongoing challenges related to VAT and heritage preservation 00:51:57 John's third recommended destination: Belvoir Castle 00:59:02 Tip for visitors to explore parish churches associated with historic houses Guest Info John Goodall is an esteemed English historian and author, currently serving as the Architectural Editor of Country Life magazine. In this role, he is responsible for writing and commissioning the celebrated series of architectural features published weekly in the magazine. John had a diverse upbringing because he spent his childhood in Kenya, Germany, India, and Yorkshire. His professional career began with English Heritage, where he worked as a researcher and historian from 1997 to 1999 and again from 2003 to 2007. During his tenure at English Heritage, he played a pivotal role in launching the new guidebook series known as the Red Guides and contributed to several flagship exhibitions at historic sites, including Battle and Dover. Goodall's scholarly contributions include his acclaimed second book, The English Castle, which has garnered numerous accolades. 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: Country Life (weekly publication) English Heritage Belvoir Castle Haddon Hall Chatsworth Ewellm Durham Cathedral Durham Castle Lady Lettice Grovesner Duke of Westminster Bostford Church Saint Cuthbert "Bridgerton" Madresfield Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices