Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Episodes

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  Every Object Has a Story: Lady Carnarvon and Eve Chase on The Secret Thread, sisters, secrets and the lives we leave behind 01.11.2026 32m

  Lady Carnarvon welcomes novelist Eve Chase to discuss her latest book, The Secret Thread, a dual-timeline story (1969 and today) shaped around an auction in which famed interior designer Mimi “Mo” sells her estate and reveals her life through meaningful objects; an idea sparked by seeing Joan Didion’s belongings auctioned at Christie’s in 2022. They talk about why country houses are such powerful “crucibles” for fiction, how Eve created the fictional Rush Wood to fit a chalk stream and proxim...
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  Lord Grantham Comes Home to the real Downton Abbey: Hugh Bonneville, Susie Dent and Santa Montefiore at Highclere Castle's first Literary Festival 22.10.2026 42m

  Lady Carnarvon reflects on Highclere Castle’s first Literary Festival by spotlighting visiting authors and the origins of their stories. Hugh Bonneville discusses his commissioned Rory Sparkes children’s trilogy, how book two drew on learning his mother worked for MI6, and how he “pillaged” schoolchildren’s ideas; he reads an excerpt from The Spy Who Loved Tea. Shrabani Basu explains how researching curries led her to Victoria & Abdul, the challenge of burned letters, and her use of archi...
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  The Eighteenth Draft: Lady Carnarvon talks to Jeffrey Archer about fifty years of writing, book titles and his final novel Adam and Eve 07.10.2026 34m

  It seems a fitting tribute to share this podcast which reflects on the last fifty years of Jeffrey's fabulous story telling. We recorded this on the 29th September and had such a joyful morning together. Fifty years after fourteen publishers turned down Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less, Jeffrey Archer joins Lady Carnarvon at Highclere to talk about Adam and Eve, the novel he says will be his last. He explains why he still writes every word by hand on a thirty-two-line Oxford pad in Majorca,...
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  Passing It On: Lady Carnarvon talks to Michael and Clare Morpurgo about War Horse, Farms for City Children and Down Burrow Lane 01.09.2026 35m

  I welcomed one of my hero authors, Michael Morpurgo, and his wife Clare, to Highclere Castle to talk about storytelling, history, the magic of reading, and the extraordinary charity they founded together — Farms for City Children. Michael shared how War Horse came to life and why understanding the First World War matters more than ever today. We recalled the unforgettable day Joey, the National Theatre's War Horse puppet, came to Highclere in 2014 — walking through the very library where Almi...
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  Piano Wire and Courage: Lady Carnarvon talks to Alexander Norman about Captain de Havilland's Moth and the golden age of aviation 01.08.2026 24m

  Today, I welcomed author Alex Norman to the podcast to talk about his book on De Havilland’s Moth and the thrilling world of aviation in the 1920s and 30s, a period with such wonderful links to Highclere. Alex shared his own family’s connections to early flying, including his grandfather’s aircraft and involvement in the London Aeroplane Club and explained how Geoffrey de Havilland’s ingenuity helped by Frank Halford’s lightweight Cirrus engine made the DH60 Moth a breakthrough for priv...
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  Rooted in Adventure: Lady Carnarvon and explorer Levinson Wood on trees, history and The Great Tree Story 01.07.2026 28m

  I’m delighted to welcome author and explorer Levison Wood to Highclere, where we talk about my great love; trees and his book, The Great Tree Story: how forests have shaped our world. Levison shares how studying the Grand Tour at university inspired his lifelong passion for travel and storytelling, from hitchhiking across Europe and Central Asia to serving as an officer in the Parachute Regiment and deploying to Afghanistan. He recalls founding a production company and undertaking extra...
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  Survival of the Friendliest: Lady Carnarvon talks to Rutger Bregman about the "real" Lord of the Flies and the power of kindness 01.06.2026 41m

  I welcome Dutch historian Rutger Bregman to the podcast after first messaging him on Instagram and we talk about what I took from his book Humankind and my own wish to bring people together to remember friendship and kindness. Rutger reflects on Dutch directness and equality shaped by living with water, from the 1953 flood to the Delta Works, and shares why he writes for a general audience about big questions of human nature. We discuss his challenge to the “veneer theory” and his...
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  The real story behind Burnt Norton: Lady Carnarvon and Caroline Montague on Writing Havens, Burnt Norton’s Past and Stories That Heal 01.05.2026 26m

  I’m delighted to welcome historical novelist Caroline Montague to the castle, where we talk about how writing offers a refuge from everyday life and how she protects her creative time in her office with her dogs. Caroline shares the remarkable history of Burnt Norton, its links to T.S. Eliot’s “Four Quartets,” and the dramatic tale of Sir William Kite, whose scandal, bankruptcy, and death by fire helped give the house its name, alongside stories of the “white lady” said to haunt the top floor...
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  The story behind the scenes: Lady Carnarvon and Emily Howes talk about the Painter's Daughters 01.04.2026 30m

  I’m delighted to welcome the novelist Emily Howes to the castle to talk about her book The Painter’s Daughters, inspired by Gainsborough’s portraits of his two girls and the striking shift from their lively childhood images to a stiffer, unhappier adulthood. Emily shares how she researched 18th-century Bath, its muddy, smelly, party-like medical culture, through visits and sources such as James Hamilton’s biography, Letters from Bath, and books on travel, while noting how little s...
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  Our man in Libya and Iran: Lady Carnarvon joins Nicholas Hopton to talk diplomacy, travel and Foreign Service. 01.03.2026 27m

  In this episode from Highclere Castle, I sit down with Nick Hopton to talk about his book, "Marma Mia," which begins as the story of buying and restoring a holiday house in an unspoiled part of Tuscany, the Maremma and becomes a wider family and personal journey. Nick shares how reading "A Year in Provence" during COVID while he was British Ambassador to Libya helped inspire him to write a feel-good book that encourages readers to discover lesser-known regions. We discuss his Fore...
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  Love changes everything at the Real Downton Abbey: Lady Carnarvon meets BGT Winner Colin Thackery MBE 01.02.2026 31m

  Welcome to my podcast! In this special episode, I am thrilled to welcome Colin Thackery, a Chelsea Pensioner and Britain's Got Talent winner, who has an extraordinary life story to share. Colin talks about his time in the Royal Artillery, his experience being appointed an MBE and his unexpected journey to stardom at the age of 89. We also discuss his book, 'My Story. Love Changes Everything' and his enduring love for his late wife Joan. Join us as we reflect on his inspiring journey, his mili...
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  New Year at the real Downton Abbey: Lord and Lady Carnarvon look forward and reflect. 01.01.2026 17m

  In this New Year special episode, I'm delighted to sit down with my husband. We reflect on the challenges and highlights of 2025, including our memorable 'Weekend to Remember' event and the exciting premiere of the 'Grand Finale' film. We also discuss the personal joys and trials on the farm and in our gardens, and the impact of a very dry summer. Looking forward, we share our excitement for upcoming events in 2026, including the construction of the new garden pavilion, various celebrations, ...
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  Tutankhamun's trumpet: Lady Carnarvon talks to Toby Wilkinson about all things archaeology and Egypt 01.12.2025 27m

  In this episode, we are joined by Toby Wilkinson, acclaimed Egyptologist, historian, and author, whose work has shed new light on the mysteries and marvels of ancient Egypt. Toby brings his deep expertise and passion for history to our conversation, offering listeners a fascinating journey through the world of pharaohs, pyramids, and the enduring legacy of one of humanity’s greatest civilizations. We delve into Toby’s latest research and publications, exploring the cultural, political, and sp...
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  Exploring the Spirit of Writing: Lady Carnarvon discusses writing inspiration with Santa Montefiore at Highclere Castle- The real Downton Abbey 01.11.2025 30m

  I'm delighted to have the prolific author Santa Sebag Montefiore as my special guest. We reminisce about our early days and dive into Santa's successful writing career, including her latest book in the Pixie Tate series. Santa shares insights into her writing process, the inspiration behind her characters, and her love for weaving spiritual themes into her novels. We also discuss the challenges of breaking into the literary world and the importance of hope and faith for young people today. Jo...
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  How to get published: Lady Carnarvon talks to Harriet Evans about her journey from publisher to author. 01.10.2025 33m

  Lady Carnarvon welcomes Harriet Evans, a former publisher turned writer, to Highclere Castle. Harriet discusses her journey from working at Penguin Books to becoming a successful author. They delve into her latest book, 'The Treasures,' part of the Seven Stones Trilogy, which is rich in historical and geographical details. Harriet shares her writing process, her love for creating vivid settings, and the influence of her literary family. The conversation also touches on overcoming insecurities...
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  A pony in the kitchen: Lady Carnarvon talks to Callie Coles 01.09.2025 29m

  I welcome my dear friend Callie Coles to the podcast. Callie, the author of a fabulous new book and the first of a trilogy, shares whimsical tales from her bucolic life on the Devon-Cornwall border. We delve into her enchanting Instagram account, which offers a nostalgic glimpse into her world filled with ponies, dogs, and her picturesque home. We discuss Callie's unique and therapeutic relationship with her pony, Sparky, whose presence has become a ray of sunshine in their already idyl...
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  Embracing Anxiety: An overactive ally with Psychotherapist Owen O'Kane 01.08.2025 28m

  Today, I am delighted to be joined by Owen O'Kane, an expert psychotherapist specializing in anxiety. Owen shares his unique perspective on viewing anxiety as an ally that can be positively harnessed when understood properly. We dive into his latest book, which provides not only a deep insight into anxiety but practical steps to manage it. Owen opens up about his personal experiences with anxiety, his professional insights from working in palliative care, and his childhood in Northern Ireland...
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  What I call "Joyful Galloping" Miranda Hart talks to Lady Carnarvon 01.07.2025 23m

  I'm delighted to welcome the wonderful Miranda Hart to our podcast. We cover many topics, from the importance of joyfulness and humor in life to her iconic character Ms. Bates in Jane Austen's 'Emma'. Miranda opens up about the challenges she faced during her career and the inspiration behind her book, 'I Haven't Been Entirely Honest With You'. We chat about the intricacies of British humor, the pressures of performing in front of a studio audience, and the technical aspects of co...
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  An Artisan's Journey: From Punk to Preservation with Ted Edley 01.06.2025 18m

  I'm thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented craftsman, Matthew Edley, known as Ted. Sitting down at Highclere Castle, we delve into Ted's journey from a punk rocker with a distinct red Mohican to a renowned metalwork master. We talk about his meticulous work repairing and conserving the castle’s historical candelabra and lamps, including converting them from candlelight to electric while maintaining their historical integrity. Ted also shares his experiences as a part of the TV series 'Th...
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  90 Encounters with Churchill: Unique insights with Sinclair Mackay 01.05.2025 30m

  In this podcast episode, I am delighted to welcome author Sinclair Mackay to discuss his captivating book on Winston Churchill, which delves into 90 meetings over Churchill's 90-year life. Our conversation covers Churchill's diverse roles and personal attributes, from his military valour to his romanticism, and even his encounters with notable figures like Einstein and Queen Elizabeth II. Sinclair shares how Churchill's fearless and multifaceted nature made him an extraordinary figure, one wh...