History
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:
Step inside Britain's greatest Historic Houses, gardens and family homes through HeritgeXplore, your digital gateway to discovering heritage today. Visit https://www.heritagexplore.com/
https://www.belvoircastle.com/
https://www.onefineplay.com/
https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/
https://www.belvoircastle.com/cinderella-at-belvoir/
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