Hidden Heritage

In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners is joined by Jason Lindsay, Chairman of Historic Houses, and Marcus Yorke-Long, Head of the Private Office at Charles Russell Speechlys, for a conversation exploring one central question: who owns our heritage now? Heritage is often discussed emotionally, romantically even, but rarely strategically. Yet Britain’s historic houses, estates, collecti...

Lord Iveagh - Ned Guinness - is custodian of the 22,000-acre Elveden Estate in Suffolk. But inheritance, in his case, is layered. Elveden was once owned by Maharaja Duleep Singh, redesigned with Mughal splendour, later purchased by the Guinness family, and transformed into Britain’s largest working farm. In this thoughtful conversation, Ned reflects on: Growing up with the Guinness name The legacy...

Journalist and author Eleanor Doughty has spent over a decade gaining rare access to Britain’s great estates. In her Sunday Telegraph column and her book Heirs and Graces, she explores inheritance not as privilege alone - but as duty, burden and identity. In this episode, Violet and Eleanor discuss: How Britain’s aristocracy really lives today The realities behind the Downton fantasy Trust, discre...

Lady Anne Glenconner has lived more lives than most of us could imagine. Born at Holkham Hall, Maid of Honour at Queen Elizabeth II’s Coronation, and lady-in-waiting to Princess Margaret for over three decades, Lady Anne stood at the centre of royal history — and at the creation of Mustique as a legendary private island. But behind the glamour lies a life shaped equally by resilience: inheritance...

This week on Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners sits down with Patrick Galbraith — writer, journalist and one of the sharpest contemporary voices examining the British countryside. From birds, deer and gamekeeping to land access, farming and the cultural fabric of rural life, Patrick’s work explores the fault lines shaping modern Britain’s landscapes. Together, we trace his story from the landscapes...

Filming & Events in Historic Houses: What It Really Involves Filming and large-scale events can provide historic houses with vital income and global visibility. Yet behind every beautifully shot scene lies a complex reality of negotiation, risk management and strategic decision-making. In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet is joined by Naomi Nettleton, who advises historic estates on filming...

In this episode of Violet Manners in Hidden Heritage, Violet is joined by designer, writer and entrepreneur India Hicks - a woman born into history who chose to build her life somewhere entirely her own. The daughter of Lady Pamela Hicks and the legendary designer David Hicks, India grew up at the intersection of royal history and radical interior design. Her mother stood at the heart of 20th-cent...

In this episode of Hidden Heritage, Violet Manners is joined by antiquary, broadcaster and storyteller Steven Moore — a man whose life has been shaped by objects, and the stories they carry. Known to millions through his appearances on the BBC’s Antiques Roadshow and Antiques Road Trip, Steven has spent decades uncovering the overlooked — not simply valuable objects, but the human lives embedded w...

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In this episode, Violet Manners is joined by Dr Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum and former MP, for a wide-ranging conversation about the role of museums in public life. They discuss how institutions like the V&A are evolving in the 21st century - from addressing colonial legacies to engaging new audience - and the importance of safeguarding heritage through education, sto...

In this episode of *Hidden Heritage*, host Violet Manners sits down with Sir Nicholas Coleridge, former Chair of Condé Nast, Provost of Eton College, and Chair of Historic Royal Palaces, alongside Bart Peerless, Senior Partner at Charles Russell Speechlys, to discuss the evolving challenges and opportunities for heritage sites.  From the role of diversification and financial sustainability to the...

Dive into the world of British artist Phoebe Dickinson, renowned for her evocative landscape, portrait, and still-life paintings in oils. Classically trained at the Charles Cecil Studios in Florence, Phoebe has showcased her work in solo exhibitions and prestigious galleries, earning accolades such as the RP Award and recognition in the BP Portrait Award. In this episode, we explore Phoebe’s artis...

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...

Welcome to Hidden Heritage! Roger Tempest, the 32nd custodian of Broughton Sanctuary (formerly Broughton Hall Estate) in North Yorkshire, joins Lady Violet Manners in this episode. Roger shares the fascinating history of Broughton and how he has transformed it into a centre for wellbeing and sustainability. Join us as we explore: The rich history of Broughton Sanctuary, dating back to 1097 Roger's...

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, incl...

Welcome to a special episode of Hidden Heritage! In this episode, Lady Violet Manners is joined by two exceptional guests: Molly Biddell, head of natural capital for Knepp Estate in West Sussex, and Katie Talbot, a tax trusts and succession lawyer for Charles Russell Speechlys. Join us as we explore: Natural Capital and Estates: The role of natural capital for estates and the opportunities and cha...

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 o...

Hello, heritage enthusiasts! Welcome to the finale of our first series of Hidden Heritage. I'm your host, Lady Violet Manners, and I've had the pleasure of delving into the stories behind some of Britain's most cherished historic houses and gardens over the past 3 months. We've had incredible guests join us, sharing their personal anecdotes and passion for these remarkable places. As we take a sho...

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...

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 sustai...

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. Valui...

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 stori...

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 H...

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...

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 b...