Episode Description:

In this episode, the Duchess meets the Duchess of Argyll, who invites us inside her fabulous home: the historic Inveraray Castle, situated on the banks of Loch Fyne in Scotland. We learn about the ghostly history the castle, and we hear the story of the iconic 20th century society beauty: Ethel Margaret Campbell. The Duchess of Argyll shares with us the fascinating history of the proud Campbell Clan, and we learn about the Duchess of Argyll's connection to Britain’s most treasured of chocolatiers.

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.

Top Quotes:

“I think being a Duchess has taught me that I have a responsibility to my local community, and that I must do it better every day.” - Emma Rutland

“We have a hundred and twenty thousand visitors a year. Without them, these homes have nothing.” - the Duchess of Argyll

“That’s the reality of heritage in the 21st century: to juggle everything to make it work, to keep the roof on.” - Emma Rutland

“As your keeper at Inveraray Castle said to me: There’s no bad weather; there’s just bad dressing.” - Emma Rutland

“You’ve got to move with the times. You have to hand the estate on in a better condition than when you got it.”  - the Duchess of Argyll

About the Guest and Stately Home:

The Duchess of Argyll was born Eleanor Cadbury of the renowned Quaker & Chocolatier family. Eleanor previously worked in PR before meeting her husband Torquill, the 13th Duke of Argyll. The couple have three children together, and live in the castle, managing the 60,000 acre Scottish estate.

Inveraray Castle has stood on the shores of Loch Fyne for over 600 years. The striking gothic style castle built in 1743, is the seat of the Campbell Clan who were historically one of the most powerful Scottish Clans, led by their chieftains - the Dukes of Argyll. With its chilling reputation for the paranormal, it’s magnificent treasures, and breathtaking landscapes, Inveraray Castle attracts tens of thousands of tourists annually to its many events, exhibitions, and music festivals. 

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:

https://www.belvoircastle.com/

https://www.onefineplay.com/

https://www.inveraray-castle.com/

https://www.emmaduchessrutland.com/