Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast
179 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -My husband, the 8th Earl of Carnarvon, and I have the enormous privilege and pleasure of living in, and taking care of, my husband’s family home, Highclere Castle, which is better known to many people as the setting for the popular television programme “Downton Abbey”. Thanks to this series, our home has, over the last few years, become one of the most well-known and iconic houses in the world. My Podcast is my way of trying to share the stories and heritage of this wonderful building and estate, and all the people and animals that live and work here, so that you can get to know and love it as I do.
Homepage Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
Racehorse trainer Richard Hannon
March 01, 2024 01:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBBehind the scenes at the real Downton Abbey this month I'm talking to raecehorse trainer Richard Hannon who is not only a good friend to my husband and myself but looks after some of the racehorses we've bred. Racing is very close to our hearts here at Highclere Castle especially as my father in law was the late Queen's racing manager and Richard's father trained some of Her Majesty's horses. Richard took over from his father in 2014 and clocked up his 1000th winner on Derby Day in 2019 a...
Decorating the real Downton Abbey: Sarah Morris
February 01, 2024 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBThis month I'm joined by my friend and respected interior designer Sarah Morris. Sarah has been by my side as I've worked to restore and re-decorate the very many rooms here at Highclere Castle over the past 20 years. From wallpaper, Royal house guests and even ghosts, join me and Sarah on an interior design tour of the real Downton Abbey! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day...
Historian Bettany Hughes
January 01, 2024 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.5 MBHappy New Year! What better way to start 2024 than by welcoming historian, author, broadcaster and good friend Bettany Hughes to 'the real Downton Abbey'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Actress Emma Samms
December 01, 2023 08:00 - 39 minutes - 26.8 MBDecember is traditionally the month for giving so it's perhaps apt that my guest this month is the founder of a wonderful charity Starlight. Starlight raises funds for children’s play in healthcare, supporting children to experience the power of play to boost their wellbeing and resilience during illness. We've supported Starlight here at Highclere for at least 20 years so it was a great pleasure to welcome actress Emma Samms to tell me about how the charity started and the work they do to...
Victoria Hislop
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBMy guest this month is the author Victoria Hislop. Victoria has entranced us all with her wonderful stories about Greece. Her debut book 'The Island' became an international bestseller, and her latest is called 'The figurine'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Author Victoria Hislop
November 01, 2023 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.3 MBMy guest this month is the author Victoria Hislop. Victoria has entranced us all with her wonderful stories about Greece. Her debut book 'The Island' became an international bestseller, and her latest is called 'The figurine'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Egyptologist Dr Colleen Darnell
October 01, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBThis month's podcast is all about one of my favourite topics Egyptology. Joining me at Highclere Castle is Dr Colleen Darnell, an Egyptologist, author and educator. Her latest book 'Egypt’s Golden Couple: When Akhenaten and Nefertiti Were Gods on Earth' was co-authored with her husband, John Coleman Darnell, Professor of Egyptology at Yale University. It's a fascinating read even for non-egyptologists! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.lady...
Dr Colleen Darnell
October 01, 2023 07:00 - 32 minutes - 22.1 MBThis month's podcast is all about one of my favourite topics Egyptology. Joining me at Highclere Castle is Dr Colleen Darnell, an Egyptologist, author and educator. Her latest book 'Egypt’s Golden Couple: When Akhenaten and Nefertiti Were Gods on Earth' was co-authored with her husband, John Coleman Darnell, Professor of Egyptology at Yale University. It's a fascinating read even for non-egyptologists! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.lady...
Smiles
September 01, 2023 00:00 - 24 minutes - 17.1 MBMy guest this month is one of best girl friends. I've known 'smiles' since I met her at university and she's remained a close friend ever since. Recently she's worked alongside me in the preparation of my book 'The Earl and the Pharaoh', so I thought an ideal time to sit down with her and reminisce on our friendship. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
The Power of Geography: Tim Marshall
August 01, 2023 00:00 - 30 minutes - 20.9 MBIt's August and my guest this month is the journalist and best selling author Tim Marshall. “Prisoners of Geography” has sold over 2 million copies and I have much enjoyed his recent book the “Power of Geography”. Tim’s books offer fascinating insights into this world on which we are all trying to live and which we are all trying to share. Before his writing career Tim had established himself as a well respected TV foreign correspondent as well as contributing to radio and newspaper I...
Victoria & Abdul: Shrabani Basu
June 30, 2023 20:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBMy guest this month is a dear friend, and renowned author, Shrabani Basu. Shrabani is an Indian journalist and historian who is perhaps best known for writing the true story of 'Victoria & Abdul' about Queen Victoria's friendship with an Indian attendant Abdul Karim. It was a joy to sit down and talk to Shrabani - I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on...
Historian James Holland
May 31, 2023 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBMy guest this month is the WW2 history author James Holland. I've got to know James over the years having appeared as a guest on several occasions at the wonderful history festival he founded. The Chalke Valley history festival in the nearby county of Wiltshire has grown to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every mon...
James Holland
May 31, 2023 22:00 - 29 minutes - 20.3 MBMy guest this month is the WW2 history author James Holland. I've got to know James over the years having appeared as a guest on several occasions at the wonderful history festival he founded. The Chalke Valley history festival in the nearby county of Wiltshire has grown to be one of the biggest events of its kind in the world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every mon...
Highclere's History Detective: David Rymill
May 01, 2023 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBOften the starting point for one of my books on the history of Highclere Castle is a conversation with David Rymill. David is our archivist and there's not much he doesn't know about the family history thanks to the extensive archive of documents and letters dating back to when the family first acquired the house in the 17th century. I find the archive here at Highclere fascinating so I was grateful to David for sitting down with me to discuss his work. You can hear more episodes of Lady C...
Highclere's Archivist: David Rymill
May 01, 2023 23:00 - 31 minutes - 21.9 MBOften the starting point for one of my books on the history of Highclere Castle is a conversation with David Rymill. David is our archivist and there's not much he doesn't know about the family history thanks to the extensive archive of documents and letters dating back to when the family first acquired the house in the 17th century. I find the archive here at Highclere fascinating so I was grateful to David for sitting down with me to discuss his work. You can hear more episodes of Lady C...
Jane Austen's House
April 01, 2023 00:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBJane Austen is one of England’s most celebrated and greatest novelists and Hampshire - the county where Highclere Castle is situated - played an important part in her life, not just as the place she lived but as inspiration to many of her novels. Jane Austen is one of my favourite authors so I was thrilled to sit down with Lizzie Dunford - Director of Jane Austen's House - one of the most treasured Austen sites in the world. The cottage, in a village to the south-east of Highclere called ...
Saving the Planet: Laura Tobin
February 28, 2023 23:00 - 38 minutes - 26.7 MBWe're back after a month away to recharge our podcast batteries! My guest for March is someone very familiar to British TV audiences - weather presenter Laura Tobin. Laura has just written a book called 'Everyday Ways To Save Our Planet' - and so I invited her to come along to Highclere and share some of her tips with me! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Flying into the New Year: George Bacon
December 31, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBHappy New Year! We begin 2023 in conversation with one of the people who has helped me unearth the rich aviation history that surrounds Highclere Castle. I first met George Bacon at an event to commemorate Sir Geoffrey De Havilland's first flight on the Highclere Estate at Seven Barrows. Since then he's become a friend and contributor to many events here at the real Downton Abbey. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ ...
Susannah Constantine
December 01, 2022 10:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBMy guest this month has just published a wonderfully amusing book that looks back on her incredible life. Susannah Constantine is best known as a TV fashion expert, but as she tells me in this podcast her years on television are the least interesting thing about her. Join us in the castle's morning room for some extraordinary anecdotes involving Royalty, teapots and sobriety! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New epi...
Highclere to Tutankhamun: Joann Fletcher
October 27, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.5 MBThe theme of our recent Highclere Festival was the path to the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun. It is an extraordinary tale of two unconventional men, Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter, neither of whom had studied archaeology at university but both of whom, through experience and passion, found the most extraordinary tomb of a Pharaoh. It's the subject of my new book 'The Earl and the Pharaoh'. Joining us over the festival weekend to help further our understanding was egyptologist Prof...
Reflections on the Queen
September 30, 2022 23:00 - 25 minutes - 17.4 MBThe death of Her Majesty the Queen last month was both sad and unsettling. My own experience of meeting her was entirely due to her long friendship with my father-in-law and mother-in-law. In fact my father-in-law was her racing manager at one time, and my husband had the great honour of being her godson. So for this month's podcast I'm joined by Geordie to share some memories of a remarkable person. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarna...
Gavin Thurston
August 25, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBI recently had the pleasure of sitting down in the castle library to speak to Gavin Thurston. Combining lenses and penmanship, he has written a fabulous book called “Journey into the Wild, The Secret life of a cameraman” which shares stories of his time behind the scenes during the course of many years filming with Sir David Attenborough. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day ...
Wildlife Cameraman: Gavin Thurston
August 25, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBI recently had the pleasure of sitting down in the castle library to speak to Gavin Thurston. Combining lenses and penmanship, he has written a fabulous book called “Journey into the Wild, The Secret life of a cameraman” which shares stories of his time behind the scenes during the course of many years filming with Sir David Attenborough. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day ...
Ep.53 Gavin Thurston
August 25, 2022 10:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBI recently had the pleasure of sitting down in the castle library to speak to Gavin Thurston. Combining lenses and penmanship, he has written a fabulous book called “Journey into the Wild, The Secret life of a cameraman” which shares stories of his time behind the scenes during the course of many years filming with Sir David Attenborough.
Ep.52 Sustaining the Future
July 28, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBThe recent record high temperatures in the UK has brought climate change back into the headlines. Seasoned climatologists who knew we'd one day break through the 40C barrier have spoken about being stunned to see it happen so soon. Here at Highclere we're always thinking about what we can do to protect our fragile planet. With that in mind my guest this month is very much on topic. Rod Rougelot is a good friend who has spent decades working in recycling and sustainability. I found our conve...
Sustaining the Future
July 28, 2022 10:00 - 29 minutes - 20.4 MBThe recent record high temperatures in the UK has brought climate change back into the headlines. Seasoned climatologists who knew we'd one day break through the 40C barrier have spoken about being stunned to see it happen so soon. Here at Highclere we're always thinking about what we can do to protect our fragile planet. With that in mind my guest this month is very much on topic. Rod Rougelot is a good friend who has spent decades working in recycling and sustainability. I found our conve...
Newport
June 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBLast week I was in the US, and I was honoured to be invited by the Newport Preservation Society to speak at a number of events in order to help them raise money to sustain some great houses they look after. Many of the houses were lost post WW2, but a number of determined women have helped save what is now left. From lunches to meetings, press conferences, filming, talks and presentations, it was a busy and fascinating schedule. I met some wonderful people and was made to feel extremely we...
Ep.51 Newport
June 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBLast week I was in the US, and I was honoured to be invited by the Newport Preservation Society to speak at a number of events in order to help them raise money to sustain some great houses they look after. Many of the houses were lost post WW2, but a number of determined women have helped save what is now left. From lunches to meetings, press conferences, filming, talks and presentations, it was a busy and fascinating schedule. I met some wonderful people and was made to feel extremely we...
Visiting the US: Newport
June 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.8 MBLast week I was in the US, and I was honoured to be invited by the Newport Preservation Society to speak at a number of events in order to help them raise money to sustain some great houses they look after. Many of the houses were lost post WW2, but a number of determined women have helped save what is now left. From lunches to meetings, press conferences, filming, talks and presentations, it was a busy and fascinating schedule. I met some wonderful people and was made to feel extremely we...
EP.50 The Highclere Show
May 26, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAfter 36 months it's been a joy to welcome back the Highclere Show. It's a festival and celebration of country life that is always great entertainment for the thousands that come here every May. In this month's podcast I sat down with the organiser Jerome Roberts - do have a listen and maybe we'll see you here next year!
Ep.50 The Highclere Show
May 26, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAfter 36 months it's been a joy to welcome back the Highclere Show. It's a festival and celebration of country life that is always great entertainment for the thousands that come here every May. In this month's podcast I sat down with the organiser Jerome Roberts - do have a listen and maybe we'll see you here next year!
The Highclere Show
May 26, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MBAfter 36 months it's been a joy to welcome back the Highclere Show. It's a festival and celebration of country life that is always great entertainment for the thousands that come here every May. In this month's podcast I sat down with the organiser Jerome Roberts - do have a listen and maybe we'll see you here next year! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Ep.49 Target Ovarian Cancer: Emma Kane
May 02, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBMy guest this month is a wonderful lady called Emma Kane. As well as being a hugely successful businesswoman Emma is Chair of Target Ovarian Cancer. It's a charity I have a particular interest in having lost my mother to ovarian cancer. I hope you'll find our conversation insightful and if you'd like to find out more about the charity please visit their website: targetovariancancer.org.uk/
Target Ovarian Cancer: Emma Kane
May 02, 2022 16:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MBMy guest this month is a wonderful lady called Emma Kane. As well as being a hugely successful businesswoman Emma is Chair of Target Ovarian Cancer. It's a charity I have a particular interest in having lost my mother to ovarian cancer. I hope you'll find our conversation insightful and if you'd like to find out more about the charity please visit their website: targetovariancancer.org.uk/ You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/po...
Ep.48 Downton Abbey A New Era Special
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBApril sees the release of the second Downton Abbey movie - a new era. It was filmed here this time last year under strict covid restrictions. I thought it would be the ideal time to reflect on on some of the podcasts where we've discussed living with a film crew whether it be the six years of the TV series or the last two movies. You'll hear extracts from my conversations with writer and creator Julian Fellowes (Episode 43), castle manager John Gundill (Episode 41), and Downton Abbey locati...
Ep.48 A New Era Special
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBApril sees the release of the second Downton Abbey movie - a new era. It was filmed here this time last year under strict covid restrictions. I thought it would be the ideal time to reflect on on some of the podcasts where we've discussed living with a film crew whether it be the six years of the TV series or the last two movies. You'll hear extracts from my conversations with writer and creator Julian Fellowes (Episode 43), castle manager John Gundill (Episode 41), and Downton Abbey locati...
Downton Abbey A New Era Special
March 31, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.7 MBApril sees the release of the second Downton Abbey movie - a new era. It was filmed here this time last year under strict covid restrictions. I thought it would be the ideal time to reflect on on some of the podcasts where we've discussed living with a film crew whether it be the six years of the TV series or the last two movies. You'll hear extracts from my conversations with writer and creator Julian Fellowes (Episode 43), castle manager John Gundill (Episode 41), and Downton Abbey locati...
Countess Bathurst
February 24, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBMy wonderful friend Sara Bathurst joins me this month. Sara lives at a beautiful stately home called Cirencester Park around 40 miles to the north-west of Highclere Castle. Cirencester is the largest town in the beautiful cotswolds area of south-central England. As you'll hear Sara and I share much in common. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Ep.47 Countess Bathurst
February 24, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBMy wonderful friend Sara Bathurst joins me this month. Sara lives at a beautiful stately home called Cirencester Park around 40 miles to the north-west of Highclere Castle. Cirencester is the largest town in the beautiful cotswolds area of south-central England. As you'll hear Sara and I share much in common.
Ep.47 Countess Bathurst
February 24, 2022 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MBMy wonderful friend Sara Bathurst joins me this month. Sara lives at a beautiful stately home called Cirencester Park around 40 miles to the north-west of Highclere Castle. Cirencester is the largest town in the beautiful cotswolds area of south-central England. As you'll hear Sara and I share much in common.
Highclere Castle Gin
January 27, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBHighclere Castle gin is the result of four years preparation and nine months of tasting. We wanted to create something very, very good and it has now become one of the most awarded gins in world – so it is “very Highclere” which was the novelist Evelyn Waugh’s shorthand for something excellent. Our gin is about fun. It is about conversation, glamour, parties, dancing and celebrations: all the things that have had to be postponed in last year or so. With me to talk about the development of ...
Ep.46 Highclere Castle Gin
January 27, 2022 12:00 - 23 minutes - 16.4 MBHighclere Castle gin is the result of four years preparation and nine months of tasting. We wanted to create something very, very good and it has now become one of the most awarded gins in world – so it is “very Highclere” which was the novelist Evelyn Waugh’s shorthand for something excellent. Our gin is about fun. It is about conversation, glamour, parties, dancing and celebrations: all the things that have had to be postponed in last year or so. With me to talk about the development of ...
Ep.45 Backwards and Forwards: Lord Carnarvon
December 30, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBAt this time of year I inevitably look back on the challenges and triumphs of the past twelve months and forward to the hopes a new year brings. Joining me in this edition of my podcast is my husband Geordie as we look 'backwards and forwards'!
Backwards and Forwards: Lord Carnarvon
December 30, 2021 12:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MBAt this time of year I inevitably look back on the challenges and triumphs of the past twelve months and forward to the hopes a new year brings. Joining me in this edition of my podcast is my husband Geordie as we look 'backwards and forwards'! You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/ New episodes are published on the first day of every month.
Speaking in the USA: Patsy Arnett
November 25, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMy latest podcast was recorded on a recent trip to the US. As we end this year I was there to plan an exciting return visit in the spring when I'll be undertaking a tour to talk about my new book 'Seasons at Highclere', (and of course the new Downton Abbey movie!) Helping me with these adventures is my speaking agent Patsy Arnett who I've working with for the past ten years. I hope you enjoy our conversation. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www....
Ep.44 Speaking in the USA: Patsy Arnett
November 25, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMy latest podcast was recorded on a recent trip to the US. As we end this year I was there to plan an exciting return visit in the spring when I'll be undertaking a tour to talk about my new book 'Seasons at Highclere', (and of course the new Downton Abbey movie!) Helping me with these adventures is my speaking agent Patsy Arnett who I've working with for the past ten years. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Ep.44 Speaking in the USA: Patsy Arnett
November 25, 2021 11:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MBMy latest podcast was recorded on a recent trip to the US. As we end this year I was there to plan an exciting return visit in the spring when I'll be undertaking a tour to talk about my new book 'Seasons at Highclere', (and of course the new Downton Abbey movie!) Helping me with these adventures is my speaking agent Patsy Arnett who I've working with for the past ten years. I hope you enjoy our conversation.
Ep.43 Julian Fellowes
October 28, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBJulian Fellowes is the creator, writer and co-producer of Downton Abbey, an extraordinary feat and has kept us all entertained on Sunday evenings over six years as well as writing two film scripts. The first was tremendously successful and the latest film will come out in early 2022. The real Downton Abbey, the very Library in which we are sitting is also Highclere Castle. I hope you find this podcast as enjoyable to listen to as we did in casting our minds back to the very beginning as wel...
Ep.43 Downton Abbey creator: Julian Fellowes
October 28, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBJulian Fellowes is the creator, writer and co-producer of Downton Abbey, an extraordinary feat and has kept us all entertained on Sunday evenings over six years as well as writing two film scripts. The first was tremendously successful and the latest film will come out in early 2022. The real Downton Abbey, the very Library in which we are sitting is also Highclere Castle. I hope you find this podcast as enjoyable to listen to as we did in casting our minds back to the very beginning as wel...
Downton Abbey creator: Julian Fellowes
October 28, 2021 11:00 - 34 minutes - 23.4 MBJulian Fellowes is the creator, writer and co-producer of Downton Abbey, an extraordinary feat and has kept us all entertained on Sunday evenings over six years as well as writing two film scripts. The first was tremendously successful and the latest film will come out in early 2022. The real Downton Abbey, the very Library in which we are sitting is also Highclere Castle. I hope you find this podcast as enjoyable to listen to as we did in casting our minds back to the very beginning as wel...