About the show
Welcome to Duchess – the podcast where the Duchess of Rutland explores the historic homes of Great Britain, and meets the inspiring women who lead them today.
Have you ever watched Bridgerton, The Crown or Downton Abbey and wondered what it’s really like to be a Duchess? If so, this is the podcast for you.
Stately homes are manors, palaces, and castles of great historic significance. They were built by the finest architects, adorned with the finest treasures and surrounded by breathtaking landscapes. They homed the most powerful families and, with their wealth and social pedigree, shaped the world we live in today.
Emma grew up far away from the aristocracy but her life changed forever when she married her husband – the 11th Duke of Rutland – and moved into Belvoir Castle. At once Emma became both a Duchess and custodian of one of Britain’s most important buildings.
The Duchess wanted to learn more about this world, these homes, and the other empowering women who, just like her, work tirelessly to ensure they see tomorrow.
In this podcast the Duchess will travel to breathtaking homes, learn the epic tales of their construction, meet the historic figures that walked their halls, hear chilling ghost stories and the heartbreaking tales of romance. All of this whilst getting to know the inspiring, powerful women that work to find the delicate balance between preservation and transformation.
Join Emma on a very special journey. This is Duchess, the podcast.
Episode Description:
For our final episode of this very special season, 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, 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. Belvoir Estate has been passed down through 36 successive generations and an unbroken line of Dukes of Rutland for nearly 1000 years. James Wyatt, the iconic architect, designed the remodelled Castle built between 1801-1832 for the 5th Duke and Duchess of Rutland. Today, Belvoir Castle is said to be one of the finest examples of Regency architecture globally.
About the Host:
Emma Rutland, The Duchess of Rutland, did not always stride the halls of stately homes. Born Emma Watkins, the Duchess grew up the daughter of a Quaker farmer, in the Welsh marsh 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 would transform Emma Watkins into the 11th Duchess of Rutland. Join The Duchess 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 behind their doors to preserve their history and magic for future generations.
Resources:
https://www.belvoircastle.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
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