Podcasts about Hever Castle

In celebration of all things Anne Boleyn this week on the 489th commemoration of her death, this episode has you traveling with Alicia on a tour of Hever Castle in the Kent countryside. Its double-moated history begins long before Anne Boleyn and continues long after, and includes Anne of Cleves and William Waldorf Astor too! Everything connects in this encore episode this week - back next week with bran new Nick, and more in the meantime on Patreon! Continue your investigation with ad-free and bonus episodes on Patreon! To advertise on Done & Dunne, please reach out to info@amplitudemediapartners.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This interview with Dr Owen Emmerson, Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, about the 'Two Anne's of Hever', Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves was recorded in 2021 but has been available to members only, up until now.Dr Emmerson is a historian, author and broadcaster and can be found on his Instagram page @DrOwenEmmersonThis is also available, along with almost 50 other historian interviews, at Youtube.com/@BritishHistory - look for the "Historian Interviews' playlist. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/history

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The story of King Henry VIII, a man who married six times only to execute two of those wives, is part of Great Britain's national and international identity. Each year, millions of people walk around the Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace and Hever Castle, plus many other historical sites, taking in and hoping to glean some sense of the man and the myth, and yet there is a period from Henry VIII's life which remains largely overlooked, a period in which he chose not to execute wives, servants or ministers, but instead turned on another group entirely - his own family. Like practically all members of the nobility of the time, Henry VIII descended from King Edward III, which ensured a ready-made crop of royal cousins were in abundance at his court, and awkwardly for the king, these cousins often possessed much greater claims to the throne than he did. The house of Tudor was one which should never have been, let alone taken the throne. Upstarts in every sense of the word, their ancestry, whilst (almost) noble, was by no means as grand as many a family in England, and it is against this backdrop that Henry VIII and the Plantagenet Poles: The Rise and Fall of a Dynasty (Pen & Sword, 2024) by Dr. Adam Pennington was created. The Pole family, the subjects of the story, were royalty in secret. Lady Margaret Pole, Countess of Salisbury, the family matriarch, was a niece of King Edward IV and Richard III, making her a first cousin of Elizabeth of York, the first Tudor queen consort, and thus a first cousin once removed of Henry VIII. Margaret Pole was, therefore, one of the most senior members of the nobility at the Tudor court, and through her, her sons, her daughter, and her grandchildren possessed a dangerous name and dangerous bloodline, which put them on a collision course with the most volatile man ever to sit the throne of England. They were the old guard, the house of Plantagenet, the greatest ruling dynasty in English history, the true royal family, and this, coupled with the monumental shifts which England underwent during the reign of Henry VIII, all but ensured their destruction. For centuries, their story has been overlooked, or at best, fleetingly covered, but when one digs deep, a story as audacious and juicy as it's possible to be soon emerges. This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

After a chilly January in the UK, the days are starting to lengthen and there's signs of life as bulbs are pushing through the soil. DIG IT's Peter Brown and Chris Day discuss news, events and gardening tasks for the gardening month ahead.What's onSaturday 1st February Buckingham Garden Centre's Grow & Grow Day, 10am-4pm. Saturday 1st February to Sunday 2nd March: Peruvian Orchid Spectacular at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in London. The Plant Fair Roadshows are back in full swing with the first event of the year on Sunday 2nd February at Hole Park, Rolvenden, Kent, on Sunday 2nd February.Running until 13th April: Soil - The World at Our Feet Exhibition at the Embankment Galleries, South Wing, Somerset House in London.Saturday 15th February – Sunday 23rd February: Exhibited during Eco-Week at Hever Castle & Gardens, Earth Photo will be featuring work by some of the best photographers from around the world.Thursday 20th February: Monty Don in conversation with Sophie Raworth online or in person at the Royal Geographical Society in Kensington, London, SW7 2AR. 7pm. 20th - 22nd February: Shepton Snowdrop Festival, Somerset. Free event.Discover snowdrops across the UK. NewsBritain's oldest RHS Garden is calling for compensation from the Government as it faces a ‘catastrophic' £11m loss - thanks to roadworks.Home to 100-year-old specimens, the 60-acre Coton Orchard, the largest traditional orchard in Cambridgeshire and 8th largest in the country is at risk of becoming a new bus lane. Two plant collections - Amelanchier and Witch hazel National collections have been accredited at National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire.Monty Don's new British Gardens series airs on the BBC.Sarah Dyke MP's Horticultural Peat (Prohibition of Sale) Bill has been pushed back to a later date. Kew Gardens and partner scientists have identified more than 170 new species in 2024New Year's Honours for garden industry figures including Gill Hodgson founder of Flowers From the Farm and Alan Titchmarsh, CBEScotland consults on its peat-free future.Latest Thompson & Morgan survey suggests garden expenditure is set to increase in 2025.More crystal ball gazing from the RHS with its gardening predictions.Eden Project appoints 'horticultural showman' Peter Jones.Kew build two advanced glasshouses to help in major restoration projects.David Domoney becomes new brand ambassador for Keder Greenhouses.Guiness World Records searches for world's oldest glasshouse.Forest England biodiversity study reveals DNA secrets.Butterflies heading north says NatureScot.RSPB suspends sale of flat bird feeders.Suttons given the Royal Warrant of Approval.Plants mentioned: Broad bean The Sutton, New Fothergill's Oh Sow Simple range, Seed Potatoes, Pea Meteor, Sweet Peas, Carnivorous plants (Venus flytraps), Carrot Amsterdam Forcing, Asparagus crowns, root-wrapped roses, celebration roses, strawberry runners and raspberry canes can be established now, Lilies, Dahlias, Begonia corms and Hosta. Hardwood cuttings Buddleja, Dogwoods, Forsythia, Philadelphus (Mock Orange), Roses and Salix (Willows).Products mentioned: Westland New Horizon Compost, Melcourt SylvaGrow Composts, horticultural fleece, Haxnicks jackets, raised beds and water butts. Dig It Top 5: Our Top selling Fothergills flower seeds of last year. No5 ‘RHS Flowers for Insects Mix', No4 Sunflower ‘Giant Single', No3 Sweet Pea ‘Old Spice Mixed', 2nd place Poppy ‘Victoria Cross' and at No1 ‘RHS Flowers for Wildlife Bright Mix'.Our thanks to Chiltern Music Therapy for supply the music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, I kick off part one of a four-part series on Instagram Marketing Trends for 2025. We dive into Creative Bravery—how moving away from perfectly polished content and leaning into bold, relatable, and real storytelling can help you stand out in 2025. I share real-life examples, actionable tips, and inspiration to help you shake things up in your Instagram strategy this year.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why Creative Bravery is the key to standing out on Instagram in 2025.Real-life examples of bold content strategies from brands like Ryan Serhant and Hever Castle.Simple tips for loosening your tone, experimenting with formats, and collaborating creatively.Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:Follow Elizabeth Marberry on InstagramApply for a Complimentary Instagram Breakthrough SessionHootsuite Social Trends 2025 ReportTikTok What's Next Trends Report 2025Episode Highlights:[00:00] Introduction to the series.[00:50] Addressing the potential TikTok ban and diversifying your strategy.[05:15] Real-life examples of Creative Bravery in action.[12:45] Three actionable tips to embrace Creative Bravery in your content.CONNECT WITH YOUR HOST, ELIZABETH MARBERRY:WORK WITH ELIZABETH Apply for your FREE Instagram Breakthrough Session with Elizabeth Free guide to Monetize Your IG: Seven Simple and Proven Ways to Finally Make Money on Instagram Follow Elizabeth Marberry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Please be sure to rate, review and follow the show on Apple podcasts (or wherever you find your podcasts) so we can get this free value to other people who need it.

Celebrate Christmas with the Tudors at Hever Castle with this classic episode featuring historian Dr Owen Emmerson.Show NotesCarol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydThe Tudors by NumbersCourting the Virgin QueenDr Owen Emmersonwww.drowenemmerson.comThe Tudor Trio@drowenemmerson@thetudortrioHolbein's Hidden GemCatherine and AnneBecoming AnneThe Boleyns of Hever CastleHistory shows us what's possible.

Send us a textThis episode features Robert Holloway, who has been in our sport for 35 years.Robert says  " I played football to a reasonable standard until I was 16 and like most kids of mygeneration I was very active either doing a 3 mile walk to school there and back andthen kicking a ball around when I got home. Not much happened sport's wise until early 1984 when my colleagues at work dared me to compete in the Civil Service and Post Office half marathon at Windsor Great Park. Training was slow to start with but I persevered and finished in a time of 1hr 34m. Those in the know told me that that was a good time for a newbie so then decision was taken to give this running lark a go. I joined my local running club, Woking AC, and was soon taking part in a number of local road races. By 1986 In had built up my training volume to have a crack at the full marathon distance. I chose the 1986 Abingdon marathon to pop my marathon cherry and finished in a time of 2hrs 54m. That time gave me the incentive to pursue marathon running as my preferred distance and in 1987 my crowning glory came at the London Marathon when I clocked 2hrs 42m. I then set my sights on breaking the 2hrs 40m barrier but all those weeks of 100 mile training took their toll and it was a case of managing one lower leg injury after another.My road running days were not what they used to be but rescue came in the form of a running magazine article on this new fangled sport called triathlon. I could clearly run a bit and always enjoyed swimming and could ride a bike so why not give it ago? I entered the Wokingham Try a Tri sprint triathlon in 1989. I. I can't recall my time but I must have enjoyed it because some 35 years later I am still competing in triathlon and multisport.In 2009 not only my triathlon World but my Whole World collapsed around me. It turned out that I had suffered a major bilateral pulmonary embolism preceded by a blood clot that had found its way into both of my lungs. Needless tosay my triathlon days were put on hold.In good time I got back into something like normal training but didn't compete until 2014 when, on a whim, I entered the Hever Castle sprint triathlon. To myastonishment I came home with an age group win and another trophy for the cabinet! I continued to train and compete at a reasonable standard but in 2016 at age 62 I decided that I had achieved everything I wanted to achieve in the sport and called it a day. Or so I thought!Turning the clock forward to 2019 and the onset of covid, I was still working full time but without any sporting activity for about three years or so I had managed to put on almost four stone over my normal racing weight of ten stone. I was soon working from home and the temptation to go out for a run in the vain hope of losing weight became too strong. As the weight melted away I discovered that I was pretty useful on the bike and the run so much so that within a year I had qualified for and competed in the World Duathlon Championships in Aviles. Other championship events followed in Bilbao, Ibiza and more recently, Coimbra where I achieved my best ever finish of fifth place and third Brit home in the 70-74 age group. I have my eyes on a 70.3 event in 2026, possibly Jeselo, and in 2027 I would hopeto qualify for the World multisport championships in Edmonton, Canada. I also want to experiment with aquabike and aquathlon. You Can Follow us  on Instagram @amp_1967X : agegroupmultisportpodcastFacebook : AMPGBfind all our episodes on our websiteor our YouTube Channel AMP GBWebsite is : https://agegroupmultisportpodcast.buzzsprout.com/email: agegroupmultisportpodcast@gmail.com

Send us a textWelcome back to the Agegroup Multisport Podcast.this episode we have the pleasure of speaking with Natasha Pertwee, who got in touch with us to share her story on our Pod.Natasha says "I'm not sure that I'm really very interesting, so please don't worry if you feel I'm not suitable for this podcast!I live in Perth, Australia Quick summary of my mutlisport history:I originally started running after I had my kids.After a couple of marathons, I looked for a change and someone mentioned triathlon.I taught myself to swim from You tube and put road wheels on my mountain bike and made it through my first triathlon on a Wednesday evening at Hever Castle.I dabbled for a couple of years and then said to my friend that if I didn't get on a podium the following year, I would quit.She helped me with a bit of a training plan and I did indeed move up to podium places.I decided to try for age group.  I joined a club and stepped up my training and went to Eaton Dorney via the Mallorca 70.3!! (Yes, I struggle to say no to things!!). I did well enough to qualify on roll down, but I wanted to be sure, so I drove to Strathclyde and qualified in 3rd place.Off to Mexico (2016) and managed a 9th place finish in the sprint. Shortly afterwards I moved to Australia. I'd got the bug and decided to fly back to the UK in 2018 to qualify for GB again. It was a double qualifier that year for Gold Coast and Lausanne.Meanwhile I was competing in Austalia and qualified for Ironman 70.3 worlds, but I decided not to go.Gold Coast sprint tri was in 2018 and after that I gave myself 10 weeks to go from sprint to full Ironman!  I did Busselton Ironman in 11:30 (ish!!!).2019 saw me do the Etape de Tour and then Lausanne sprint worlds a month later. Still for GB. I finished 2019 with anther 70.3 and another world qualification.2020 and covid hit. We continued to race in WA and I did SEVEN gravel race, another 70.3 (and another worlds place) and the road cycling event called Tour of Margaret River.2021 was my citizenship and with that my first chance to qualify for Aus. I trained hard for the qualifying race in December and the week before I came off my bike and fractured my clavicle.  Luckily in my warm up, I'd gone to the state championship for Duathlon and had won, so I redirected my plans to the Duathlon Worlds in Romania instead.2022 saw me shift to train running. I did my first 80km ultra in May and went to Romania in June (5th place) and first in the green and gold! I finished the year with UTMB Kosciusko 50km.2023 was the covid delayed 70.3 worlds in Finland for Aus. And another state duathlon championship.2024: I ran 2000km in the first 6 months to train for UTMB Verbier in July. It was cancelled the day before due to storms!!!Townsville Duathlon worlds 4 weeks later (4th)Now, I'm back to trail running and have UTMB Thailand in December and hopefully UTMB CCC in August next year! " A great story, and fantastic to meet Natasha, hope you enjoy.You Can Follow us  on Instagram @amp_1967X : agegroupmultisportpodcastFacebook : AMPGBfind all our episodes on our websiteor our YouTube Channel AMP GBWebsite is : https://agegroupmultisportpodcast.buzzsprout.com/email: agegroupmultisportpodcast@gmail.comIf you are an agegroup athlete and would like to come on the pod, get in touch.    

In this special episode, I am very happy to bring you a walk around Hever Castle, reimagined as Anne Boleyn and her family, who lived here in the 16th century, would recognise it, with assistant curator Kate McCaffrey. Kate is an incredibly talented historian who loves to share her findings and work with as wide an audience as possible and is one of the brains behind this wonderful new permanent exhibition.Watch this episode on YoutubeJoin the British History Club at www.Patreon.com/BritishHistory to enjoy Historical Book Club, early access to content, exclusive blogs, discounts on British History Events and take part in Book Club! All for £5/month. You can also give me one off support by donating at www.buymeacoffee.com/Philippa You can also support me for free by subscribing, liking, commenting and sharing this podcast. Receive weekly history news from me by subscribing to my Substack at https://philippab.substack.com/ Visit https://www.BritishHistoryTours.com for full details of history tours and events. Get full access to British History at philippab.substack.com/subscribe

I actually have two special places for you today! Hever Castle Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn has always been a special place to visit, not least because you are moving around the space that she and her family once lived. With a new permanent exhibition at the Castle it is now easy to feel like you have travelled back in time and to the house of Thomas and Elizabeth Boleyn and their children Mary, Anne and George. I went to visit the castle recently and am very grateful to Assistant Curator Kate McCaffrey for showing me around the new rooms and giving me a fascinating insight into the research that went into the exhibition and also what the curatorial team's research has revealed about how the rooms were used and what happened here during Anne's time. You can hear mine and Kate's chat, as we walk around the rooms, on this channel, it will be released in August. Watch this episode on YoutubeBONUS - West Horsley Place. I also visited West Horsley Place, in Surrey, this week. Unsure of what I was to find, I didn't initially include it in the title and thumbnail for this episode but WOW that a fascinating and historically significant place it turned out to be! Owned twice by Henry VIII, who made alterations and additions to the property showing that he must have used it with some frequency, but also the venue for a dinner for him when his cousin, Henry Courtney, lived there - a dinner for which the menu survives!! That is just the beginning, join me as I reveal to you some of the history which I myself have only just learned this week, thank to the generous staff at West Horsley Place with a special mention to Clare Clinton. To donate to the conservation of West Horsley Place please go to: https://www.westhorsleyplace.org/donate/donate/5/credit-card . Visit Hever Castle on The Anne Boleyn Tour, May 2025Come with myself and historian Gareth Russell and stay at Hever Castle in May 2025 on 'The Anne Boleyn Tour'. You will stay at the castle for 4-nights, enjoy expert guided visits to Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London as well as an after-hours tour of Hever castle and dinner in its Great Hall! Also along the way you will meet Dr Tracy Borman OBE and Kate McCaffrey! To Book, go to www.britishhistorytours.com for full details and to download a booking form. Get full access to British History at philippab.substack.com/subscribe

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey about the Boleyn Apartment at Hever Castle Follow Kate on X: https://x.com/kateemccaffrey Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/ Book your place on '365 Days with Medieval & Renaissance Wonder Women' https://onthetudortrail.com/Blog/2024/03/31/365-days-with-medieval-renaissance-wonder-women/ Support Talking Tudors on Patreon

Today we are going to explore the rich and whimsical history of heaver Castle in Kent, Engand. Hever Castle has a rich and varied history, from its origins as a country house in the thirteenth century to its transformation into a grand mansion in the twentieth century. Amongst its notable residents was the Boleyn family, who lived at Hever Castle in the Sixteenth Century and whose daughter Anne became the second wife of King Henry VIII. (She'll be playing a big part in this story.) Joining us as our expert is Dr Amy Boyington, as we delve into the castle's past and discover the stories of the people who lived and worked there, the events that shaped its history, and the unique features that make heaver Castle one of England's most beloved historic parks...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

See Rachel de Thame at BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair on Sunday 5 May.Rachel de Thame, presenter on BBC2s Gardeners' World, makes her BBC Gardeners' World Events debut in 2024, sharing top tips and advice live on stage.Rachel is a broadcaster, writer and passionate gardener. Trained at The English Gardening School, she has been a regular presenter on BBC2's Gardeners' World since 1999. Rachel is also a long-term member of the team providing coverage of all the major RHS Flower Shows, for which she co-anchored several episodes in 2021. Rachel's other television series' include Small Town Gardens and Gardening with the Experts for the BBC and Countrywise for ITV. A Good Read for BBC Radio 4 and Essential Classics for BBC Radio 3 are among her radio appearancesThe author of three gardening books, Rachel is a gardening columnist for the Sunday Times and The Garden magazine for the RHS. Her writing commissions for other publications, include BBC Gardeners' World Magazine and The Huffington Post.Design projects, range from the LK Bennett Garden at Chelsea Flower Show 2008 and the floral decorations for the Royal Barge, during the Thames Diamond Jubilee Pageant in 2012,to bespoke planting plans for private gardens.Rachel co-curated the RHS London Rose Show in 2016 and has been the key speaker and/or host for talks and events at The Ashmolean Museum, The Garden Museum, Highgrove, Hever Castle, The Charleston Garden Festival and The Royal Geographical Society.Rachel is Vice President of wild flower charity Plantlife, and an Ambassador for The National Garden Scheme. She has also supported Flowers From the Farm – the network for the UK's cut flower growers – since its inception.The mother of four children, Rachel's interests beyond horticulture include the performing and fine arts, history, antiques and crafts of all kinds. She is currently restoring the garden – including walled vegetable, herb and cut flower beds – and interiors at her home in the Cotswolds, where country walks and wildlife spotting are welcome distractions.

Amanda Fitzgerald is an award-winning PR and media training expert whose clients have featured in publications including Forbes,  Psychologies and Grazia. She is also a passionate open water swimmer and triathlete. In 2023 she completed the 4km Hever Castle swim raising over £2500 for the Afghanistan and Central Asian Association.Amanda is delighted to be providing PR support for the IWD Brighton Sea Swim. In this episode we explore how she got started with open water swimming and triathlon, the benefits it has brought her and her advice for anyone wanting to get started with their own adventures. This episode is part of a 6 part mini series in collaboration with PinkNicky Blog in support of the IWD Sea Swim 2024. Each episode is approximately 15 minutes long and shines a light on one of the women supporting the event, their reasons for being involved and the benefits they have personally experienced from living life  adventurously.To find out more about Amanda visit: https://amandapr.com/To find out more about PinkNicky Blog and register for the IWD Sea Swim, please click hereCheck out PinkNicky's Blog - A Blog for Empty Nesters and those ready to write a new life chapter: It's time to create your story One Adventure At a Time!I hope you have enjoyed this episode of The Everyday Adventure Podcast! To keep up to date with the latest news, follow us: Instagram: @everydayadventurepod @resilienceatwork Linkedin: @Nicki-bassWebsite: www.resiliencework.co.ukTEDx: The Life Changing Power of Everyday AdventuresFor Media & Speaking Enquiries please contact Tracey Duke at 360 Speakers: tracey@traceyduke.comThe Everyday Adventure Podcast is proud to be part of the Tremula Network of Adventure and Outdoor Podcasts @tremulanetworkhttps://www.tremula.network

Have you ever dreamt of a vacation in the UK, steeped in literature, and history? Join us as we journey through the heart of England with Lisa Olney and her husband, Ken - an adventure that unravels the rich tapestry of Tudor history, iconic landmarks, and the hidden gems of British culture. In this enchanting narrative, Lisa shares her experiences from a two-week exploration of England, capturing the essence of destinations such as the Globe Theatre, Stratford upon Avon, and Hever Castle. However, their adventures don't stop there. Lisa and Ken immerse themselves in the quintessential British pub culture, savouring delicacies like fish and chips and steak pies. They also share their insights into the convenience and efficiency of the UK's transportation system. As the episode comes to a close, Lisa reveals her tips for a memorable UK sojourn.  Whether you're a first-time traveller or a seasoned explorer, this episode is peppered with tips and insights to help you plan your perfect UK getaway. So buckle up and get ready to embark on a virtual journey to the illustrious landscapes of the UK!For further information and the full show notes for this episode visit UKTravelPlanning.com/episode-61>> Visit our shop for guides and resources to help plan your trip including our popular UK Train Travel ebookSupport the show❤️ Do you enjoy our weekly podcast? We love putting together our shows for you and sharing our knowledge, love of UK travel and of course practical tips to save you time and money.

This week in Tea Time History Chat:* Shakespeare in Stratford* Interviews out now and those about to be released* A bit of history about Tudor Westminster* Who is speaking at this Autumn's Online History Festival and how to get tickets* The Armada Maps, their link to Hever Castle, and Elizabeth's Tilbury Speech.You can watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtube.com/live/HTFkCRsdq1E Get full access to British History at philippab.substack.com/subscribe

When historians first made the link between a book of hours at Trinity College, Cambridge and two others belonging to Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, they weren't just identifying who owned it. Yes, yes - the book was owned by Henry VIII's right-hand-man (for a time, at least): Thomas Cromwell. But this remarkable book has now become the only object from any 16th-century portrait to survive to this day. What can such an item tell us about the man who owned it, his times, and what he wanted everyone who saw his portrait to know? Today's artwork(s): Hans Holbein the Younger, Portrait of Thomas Cromwell, Earl of Essex (1532-33). Oil on panel, 30.7 in × 25.2 in. Frick Collection, New York. AND the 1527 Book of Hours, on display at Hever Castle through November 2023. __________ New episodes every month. Let's keep in touch! Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/matta_of_fact Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast Twitter: @ArtHistoricPod TikTok: @artofhistorypod // @matta_of_fact __________ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the UK Travel Planning podcast, Kathryn Johnson recounts her family's first visit to the UK in May 2023. In this episode, you will discoverAn overview of Kathryn's itinerary Resources Kathryn used to plan her tripFavourite tours and experiencesHow they travelled around London and the UK (plus recommended apps)Kathryn's favourite accommodations in Edinburgh and LondonWhat Kathryn purchased during the trip (souvenirs)Cultural differences noted by Kathryn during the trip between the UK and the USKathryn's top tip for anyone planning to visit the UK for the first timeKathryn's narrative is a feast for the senses, as she details their exploits from London's bustle to Scotland's serenity. She paints a vivid picture of the cultural and historical treasures they unearthed, from the architectural grandeur of Hever Castle and Arundel Castle, guided by private driver tour guide John England, to the mouthwatering British flapjack and the somewhat unconventional dining experience at the historic Clink restaurant in Brixton Prison. Kathryn's narrative doesn't stop at the historical and culinary delights. She also touches on their varied accommodation experiences, shopping for authentic souvenirs like Harris Tweed, and the invaluable advice they received for their tour planning. She speaks glowingly of their breakfast at Sally Lunns, their indulgence at the luxurious Sketch restaurant, and their sampling of Gouda cheese at Pick & Cheese at the Seven Dials in London. Kathryn also shares about her unique souvenir, a Windsor Castle Gin infused with home-grown raspberries. As we conclude, Kathryn shares invaluable travel tips for anyone considering a trip to the UK. She emphasizes not overpacking – leaving room for unique souvenirs is crucial. To wrap things up, we discuss how travellers can benefit from our resources and itineraries for a seamless UK vacation.  Tune in, and let Kathryn's experiences inspire your next adventure!Support the showSupport our show ❤️ Do you enjoy our weekly podcast? We love putting together our shows for you and sharing our knowledge, love of UK travel and of course practical tips to save you time and money.

When people think about wicked women, Anne Boleyn is usually one of the first names to come to mind. It seems that every generation has its own version of Anne: Slutty Anne, Religious reformer Anne, Innocent Anne, Manipulative Anne, Sexy Anne, Evil Anne, Educated Anne, Feminist Anne, the list goes on. Thousands of people flock annually to locations Anne once walked (Hampton Court, Hever Castle, The Tower of London) and documentaries, films, and tv series come out regularly devoted to her story. Henry VIII may have tried to eradicate Anne's memory after her downfall but that only seemed to fan the flames of public fascination with this historical “other woman”. While Henry dreamed of possessing her in the flesh, subsequent generations have become determined to possess her memory. Featured Guests: Natalie Grueninger, the creator of the podcast Talking Tudors, and a lifelong Anne Boleyn fan and Adrienne Dillard, a historian who focuses on overlooked women's stories and the author of The Raven's Widow, focusing on Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's #PortraitTuesday treat is another Anne Boleyn portrait from the collection at Hever Castle! An 18th century portrait.

Claire looks at a pair of portraits of sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn from Hever Castle's collection.

In this special episode, Dr. Owen Emmerson joins us to talk about his amazing career as a cultural historian and assistant curator of Hever Castle (Anne Boleyn's childhood home).  As a Boleyn and Tudor history expert, you may recognize him from shows such as Netflix's Blood, Sex & Royalty, BBC's Who Do You Think You Are and The Boleyns: A Scandalous Family,  along with multiple other shows on the BBC, HistoryHit, Amazon, etc. He is also the co-author of four books, his newest being Holbein's Latest Gem.Dr. Emmerson and his fellow curators at Hever Castle recently made a remarkable discovery: finding and identifying Thomas Cromwell's Book of Hours. This is a groundbreaking revelation, as they have confirmed links between Cromwell's Book of Hours with both Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon's prayer books. In this episode, we have the exclusive opportunity to learn more about this extraordinary study and what it means for not only developing Tudor history, but how it shapes our overall connection with the past. Support the show

Experts at Hever Castle - the childhood home of Anne Boleyn - have made an extraordinary discovery. They've established that an ornate 1527 prayer book — kept in a Cambridge library for more than 350 years — belonged to Henry VIII's Chief Minister Thomas Cromwell and appears in Holbein's portrait of him. Identical books were also owned by Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn.In today's episode of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb goes to Hever Castle to find out more.This episode was produced by Rob Weinberg.Discover the past on History Hit with ad-free original podcasts and documentaries released weekly presented by world renowned historians including Dan Snow, Suzannah Lipscomb, Lucy Worsley, Matt Lewis, Tristan Hughes and more. Get 50% off your first 3 months with code TUDORS. Download the app on your smart TV or in the app store or sign up here. You can take part in our listener survey here.For more Not Just The Tudors content, subscribe to our Tudor Tuesday newsletter here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Alison Palmer, Kate McCaffrey and Dr Owen Emmerson about the recent discovery of Thomas Cromwell's book of hours. Excitingly, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn also owned a copy of the same prayer book. Visit Hever Castle's website https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/ Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/ Support Talking Tudors on Patreon! Join 365 Days with the Tudor Queens!  

Anne Boleyn went from being crowned Queen to being executed for treason in less than three years. Natalie Grueninger explores what happened in her final dramatic year.Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydNatalie Grueningerwww.onthetudortrail.comhttps://www.facebook.com/nataliegrueningerauthor@themosthappy78 Instagram@onthetudortrail TwitterTalking Tudors podcastpatreon.com/talkingtudorsThe Final Year of Anne BoleynCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: History by Andy_Grey via Audio Jungle, Music Broadcast LicenseLet's shake up history together!@shakeuphistory

History has painted Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn in two very different hues: one wife, one mistress; one Spanish, one French; one committed Catholic, one radical reformer. But a new exhibition at Hever Castle examines one curious moment of confluence, right in the midst of the crucial year of 1527. It's a moment that suggests that Katherine and Anne had more in common than we normally imagine.In this edition of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb goes to Hever Castle to find out more, with curators Dr. Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey.This episode was edited by Joseph Knight and produced by Rob Weinberg.For more Not Just The Tudors content, subscribe to our Tudor Tuesday newsletter here.If you'd like to learn even more, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit - subscribe today! To download, go to Android or Apple store. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week's #portraittuesday, I look at the beautiful Anne Boleyn roundel portrait that is part of the collection at Hever Castle. You can see this portrait here... https://youtube.com/shorts/anJYaa03DBM

Politics, power and sex play important parts in both of this week's interviews. Ahead of new BBC documentary, Becoming Frida Kahlo, Hannah's been on the Zoom with filmmakers Louise Lockwood and Nancy Bornat to talk about the superstar Mexican painter, who channelled her pain, heartache and womanhood into her art. Jen takes us even further back in time to revisit Tudor queens, Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, who are the focus of a new exhibition at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Assistant curator Kate McCaffrey chats about Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers and explains why we still find their lives so fascinating. In Jenny Off The Blocks, Jen's talking about athletics, and a big new deal in women's sport. In Rated or Dated, there's bowling, blunts and bonus Tara Reid, as we watch a bonafide cult classic: 1998's The Big Lebowski. And in the Bush Telegraph, we're talking boats, bellends, some really bad policies, and Mick is absolutely not wishing you a happy International Women's Day. Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/standardissuespodcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey and Dr Owen Emmerson about Hever Castle's new exhibition - Catherine and Anne: Queens, Rivals, Mothers. Visit Hever Castle's website: https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/whats-on/catherine-anne-queens-mothers-rivals/ Find out more about your host at https://www.nataliegrueninger.com Buy Talking Tudors merchandise at https://talkingtudors.threadless.com/ Support Talking Tudors on Patreon! Musical break courtesy of Jon Sayles.

It's feared there could be a nasty accident in Sandwich after a bus stop was relocated. An area on New Street outside Guildhall Square that was previously used as a pull in has been tarmacked over - with buses stopping further up the road instead. Hear from people who live there and the response from the council. Also in today's podcast, a worker at a Turkish restaurant in Kent has described how his family has been devastated by the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. More than 21,700 people are now known to have died after the power tremour struck on Monday. It's been confirmed the amount we pay in council tax in Kent is going up by about 5% from April. That works out as an extra £73 for an average Band D household - bringing the annual payment to just over £1,500. We've also been speaking to the council leader about how much parents might have to pay for the annual travel saver pass for children. Prayer books belonging to two of Henry VIII's wives have been reunited for the first time in 500 years and gone on display in Kent. One belonged to Catherine of Aragon - the other was owned by Anne Boleyn. They're on show at Hever Castle where Anne grew up and we've been chatting to assistant curator Kate McCaffrey. Find out which Kent songwriter will be collecting a BRIT Award this weekend. We've got a roundup of everything going on in Kent this weekend. And in sport, Gillingham will be looking to make it five games unbeaten this weekend. They travel to take on promotion chasing Mansfield Town - manager Neil Harris has been speaking to our sport reporter Luke Cawdell.  

500 years ago, Anne Boleyn joined the Tudor court, and she was fascinated us ever since. Join me as I visit Hever Castle and Hampton Court Palace to walk where Anne walked.Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydHelpful websites:www.hevercastle.co.uk Historic Royal Palaces (Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and so much more!) hrp.org.ukCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: History by Andy_Grey via Audio Jungle, Music Broadcast License

We're going on the road! I'm headed to England to walk with history. Can't wait to share stories of the Royals, Rebels, and Romantics I meet along the way!Show Notes: Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydHelpful websites: Historic Royal Palaces (Tower of London, Hampton Court Palace, and so much more!) hrp.org.ukwestminster-abbey.orghevercastle.co.ukBritish Library: bl.uknationalarchives.gov.ukCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: History by Andy_Grey via Audio Jungle, Music Broadcast License

We're celebrating Christmas in July!This week, we journey to Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn where host Dr. Owen Emmerson shares elements of a Tudor Christmas.Show NotesHost: Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydGuest: Dr. Owen Emmersonwww.drowenemmerson.com@drowenemmersonThe Boleyns of Hever Castle (with Claire Ridgway)Becoming Anne (with Kate McCaffrey)Creative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Inspiring Dramatic Pack by Smart Sounds via Audio Jungle; Music Broadcast License

Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, the epic story of Anne Boleyn.Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. Alluring but not beautiful, Anne's wit and poise won her numerous admirers at the English court, and caught the roving eye of King Henry. Anne was determined to shape her own destiny, first through a secret engagement to Henry Percy, the heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and later through her insistence on marriage with the king, after a long and tempestuous relationship as his mistress. Their love affair was as extreme as it was deadly, from Henry's 'mine own sweetheart' to 'cursed and poisoning whore' her fall from grace was total.ABOUT THE AUTHORElizabeth Norton gained her first degree from the Universiy of Cambridge, and her Masters from the University of Oxford. Her other books include Jane Seymour: Henry VIII's True Love, Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride (both published by Amberley Publishing) and She Wolves: The Notorious Queens of England. She lives in Kingston Upon Thames.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/houseofmysteryradio. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information. Become a member at https://plus.acast.com/s/houseofmysteryradio.

We often focus on Anne Boleyn after she meets the King. Dr. Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey share the story of what was involved in Becoming Anne.Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistorypatreon.com/carolannlloydDr. Owen Emmersondrowenemmerson.com@drowenemmersonThe Boleyns of Hever Castle (with Claire Ridgway)Becoming Anne (with Kate McCaffrey)Kate McCaffreykateemccaffrey.wordpress.com@kateemccaffreyHever Castlehevercastle.co.uk@hevercastleCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Inspiring Dramatic Pack by Smart Sounds via Audio Jungle; Music Broadcast License

In this episode of All Things Tudor, the early life of Anne Boleyn and her time at Hever Castle are discussed with Alison Palmer, Head Curator of Hever Castle and Kate McCaffrey, Assistant Historian. This show is for you if you enjoy the life of the enigmatic Anne Boleyn.  Twitter: @HeverCastle @KateMcCaffrey Connect with us: https://allthingstudor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/AllThingsTudor https://www.facebook.com/TheDebATL

Comedy Double Act Beauties Howard Coggins & Stu McLouglin from "Living Spit" Musical Theatre Company, here to "dissect their frog" on their wonderful anarchic comedy method and madness!The warmth between the 2 is palpable and their comedy magic together a work of collective comedy genius. Howard & Stu work with a creative crack team of 5 to generate their magic together and are based in Clevedon at their home venue (which is also delightfully their "Clearing")  which they also co-founded, "The Clevedon Theatre Shop" This is their story on what has shaped them in the crafting of their impressive canon of 17 hilarious comedy musical theatre Shows to date as "Living Spit". "Living Spit" so called because Howard is - as Stu discovered much to his delight on a day trip to  Hever Castle - a "Living Spit" of Henry V111.  Stu got straight on the phone to Howard - and the rest - as they say, is comedy history!Enjoy!More about Living Spit:Introducing an extraordinary couple of colourful characters from the West Country, the frontmen of their own theatre company, called mysteriously “Living Spit'. Not so mysterious when you learn that Stu saw a picture of Henry VIII at Hever Castle, which struck him as the spitting image of his friend, Howard. On the strength of this striking physical similarity, the two friends decided to create their own lighthearted musical comedy about Henry and his various wives. Howard was a shoe-in for Henry. Stu was happy to play the wives. Musicians in their teens, actors in their twenties, the two thespians created Living Spit - as if inspired by the Bob Dylan song ‘Don't think twice, it's alright.' Now their company has 5 key people, including their own ‘third man', producer / director Craig Edwards. Over ten years later, Living Spit has over 17 different original comedies to its credit and two or three more live ideas in the pipeline. These days the shows are more comedy than history. They always involve original music. The founders are now related by marriage, but not to each other. Brothers-in-law, they happily share family occasions as well as gruelling professional tours. In the pandemic, they played on camera- or rather six cameras - to an empty house at the Bristol Old Vic. This was a breeze compared with one unhappy night in Runcorn - so disappointing that they vowed never to return. And they never have. Instead, Howard and Stuart do their own thing, in their own way, then turn to Craig to help them make it work. Allowing a mere three weeks for rehearsals, they're ready to go public with it. The audience is the only thing that matters to Living Spit: their laughter, their delight, their satisfaction. Our heroes are happy to be the best in the West. They don't need to prove they're the best in the world - even though they may be. They certainly have a better work/life balance than most people in show business. It's time to meet the original founders of Living Spit. Listen, it will certainly raise a smile or two. Listen, you might learn something!Reg Starkey - Editor UK Health Triangle Magazine 

For Video Edition, Please Click and Subscribe Here: https://youtu.be/PTW2Pvj_8lM Maureen Taylor loves to inspire and uplift others through musical storytelling and Cabaret is the perfect vehicle for that! Taylor is known for her critically acclaimed Taylor Made Bob Merrill show which was part of New York's Cabaret's Greatest Hits at the Metropolitan Room. In addition to regional musical theatre, Taylor has performed with the Chicago Lyric, Philadelphia and West Palm Beach Opera companies. She studied with Opera stars Renata Tebaldi and Carlo Bergonzi in Italy as a result of being a Bel Canto Winner. In Switzerland Taylor got to perform as Madame Giry in Phantom Of The Opera (both German and English). * She also lived on a purple bike and got her Reiki certification. In the UK, she performed at Hever Castle, Brighton Pavilion Dome, Theatre Royal, and the London Palladium (where she was a stand-in for Helen Mirren). She was also in a comic book musical entitled The Ultimate Man in the Bridewell. Taylor is a soprano soloist on Tim Wheater's Platinum Award Winning CD: "Incantation" recorded in Bath, England. Fun fact: She taught musical theater in London: 3-16 year olds. *.Ask me about the 3-5 year olds! https://www.facebook.com/maureen.taylor.5895https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureentaylorinspires #RichardSkipper #cabaret #music #NYC https://open.spotify.com/album/17X74rMDTvTfcIDT507hH6

In this episode, I put my art history degree to good use (finally) as we discuss a lesser-known portrait of Elizabeth I as she appeared late in the reign of her sister, Mary I, or early in her own reign. Painted in the image of her father, Henry VIII, Elizabeth is trying to communicate many things to many people all at once in this image. How can a single portrait represent her desire to overcome the struggles of her youth and be taken seriously as a pious, powerful female monarch? Today's Image: English School, Queen Elizabeth I (“The Hever Portrait” or “The  Chawton Portrait”) (1558). Oil on Panel. Hever Castle. New episodes every other week. Let's keep in touch! Patreon: https://patreon.com/matta_of_fact Email: artofhistorypod@gmail.com Instagram: @artofhistorypodcast Twitter: @ArtHistoricPod TikTok: @artofhistorypod // @matta_of_fact --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/amanda-matta/support

Subscribe Apple | Google | Spotify | Stitcher | iHeart   Support The Daily Gardener Buy Me A Coffee   Connect for FREE! The Friday Newsletter | Daily Gardener Community   Historical Events 1621 Birth of Andrew Marvell, English poet and politician. He was a friend of John Milton. In addition to writing The Garden - one of the most famous English poems of the seventeenth century - he wrote this little garden verse: I have a garden of my own But so with Roses overgrown And Lilies, that you would it guess To be a little wilderness.   1824 Birth of Dietrich Brandis, German forester and botanist. He's remembered as the Father of Forestry in India, the Father of Modern Forest Management, and the Father of Tropical Forestry. Concerned about the unregulated destruction of the forests in India, the British wanted people in India to help manage and protect the trees. In 1856, Dietrich left his botany professorship in Bonn (where his father had been a professor) for a civil service position managing the teak forests in Burma. Eight years later, Dietrich was in charge of all the forests in India. In Carl Alwin Schenck's Birth of Forestry in America, there's a fascinating story about how Deitrich inventoried the Teak trees in the forest. [He rode] an elephant, on such trails as there were, with four sticks in his left hand and a pocketknife in his right. Whenever he saw in the bamboo thickets a teak tree within two hundred feet of his trail, he cut a notch in stick number 1, 2, 3, or 4, denoting the diameter of the tree. It was impossible for European hands, dripping with moisture, to carry a notebook. At the end of the day, after traveling some twenty miles, Brandis had collected forest stand data for a sample plot four hundred feet wide and twenty miles long, containing some nineteen hundred acres. He continued his cruise for a number of months, sick with malaria in a hellish climate. Moreover, he underwent a trepanning operation (brian surgery), and for the rest of his life, he carried a small hole filled with white cotton in the front of his skull. But he emerged from the cruise with the knowledge needed for his great enterprise. Dietrich established modern "sustainable" agroforestry principles that are still followed today. For two decades, Dietrich measured, itemized, and chronicled the forests of India. He started forest management schools and created training protocols for his employees. In 1878, Deitrich founded the Forest Research Institute in the Doon Valley in Dehradun. Styled in Greco Roman architecture, the building is beautiful and is the largest purely brick structure in the world. Sir Joseph Hooker recognized Deitrich's work and named the flowering-plant genus Brandisia in his honor.   1848 Birth of William Waldorf Astor, American-British attorney, politician, businessman (hotels and newspapers), and philanthropist. In 1891, a tall, shy William Waldorf Astor moved to Britain after declaring that "America is not a fit place for a gentleman to live." After over a decade living in England, William bought a run-down double-moated Hever Castle, which was Anne Boleyn's family home four hundred years earlier. Between 1904 and 1908, William oversaw the installation of the extensive gardens designed by Frank Pearson to surround the castle. William diverted water from a nearby river to make a 35-acre lake to make his vision a reality. It is said that eight hundred men hand-dug and stomped on the clay soil to make the bottom of the lake. Mature trees were harvested from Ashdown Forest and transplanted at Hever. Two mazes were installed. Topiary chessmen were pruned for the chess garden. Thousands of roses were brought in for the rose garden. But, the most impressive Garden at Hever was and is the Italian Garden, which features colonnades, classical sculptures, antiquities dating back to Roman times, and a loggia. There's also a long pergola on one end that features cool dripping fountains the entire length. Even today, it's staggering to think the whole project was completed in four short years.   1924 Birth of Leo Buscaglia, American author, motivational speaker, and professor in the Department of Special Education at the University of Southern California. Leo believed education should be the process of helping everyone to discover his uniqueness. Leo learned to Garden from his father, and he once wrote, To this day I cannot see a bright daffodil, a proud gladiola, or a smooth eggplant without thinking of Papa. Like his plants and trees, I grew up as a part of his garden. Leo was a self-help guru who preached love so much that he became known as "Dr. Love." He once wrote,  A single rose can be my garden; a single friend, my world. He also wrote, There are many miracles in the world to be celebrated and, for me, garlic is the most deserving.   Grow That Garden Library™ Book Recommendation Passions by Carolyne Roehm   This book came out in 2021 at the end of the year in December, and this is actually a collection of three books. All three books feature Carolyn's passions: flowers and gardens, feminine touch (which is all about how Carolyn loves to decorate), and furry friends, which of course, shares Carolyn's love of animals, especially her pups.  I have to say that I love the book sleeve for these books slip into because the artwork is reminiscent of Maria Sibylla Merian. Carolyn writes, I hope that this little trio of books about the joy that I found in flowers and gardening, feminine allure and feminine style and the love of furry friends delights and inspires you as it has me.  When I think about this book set, I think about it like a gift - a little book set to gift - so if you're looking for something special for yourself or a friend, this little set of books should be at the top of your list. The photography in all of these little books is absolutely stunning; it's all Carolyn Roehm. If you're a Carolyn Roehm fan, if you love her home in Connecticut or if you've watched any of her styling videos on YouTube, then you will immediately recognize the deeply saturated hues and the stunning compositions that she puts together with flowers and exquisite objects in her home. The balance of color, form, and architecture - all the incredible details that she pulls together - is just drop-dead gorgeous. This book is 240 pages of Carolyn Rome's passions - her favorite things - flowers and gardens, feminine allure and design,  and furry friends.  You can get a copy of Passions by Carolyne Roehm and support the show using the Amazon link in today's show notes for around $34.   Botanic Spark 1962 On this day, a landscape worker hit a line connecting President Kennedy's White House to the Strategic Arms Command, the line vital to launching a nuclear attack. The project was led by Bunny Mellon, who was in charge of designing a new rose garden outside the President's office. Robert Kennedy once reflected on Bunny in the Garden, saying, Often during cabinet meetings, we would see her out there in the rose garden – a little figure with a bandana on her head.  One of Bunny's first tasks was to find a gardener to implement her designs. She selected a man named Irvin Williams, who was a government gardener at Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens. After Bunny brought him to the White House, he would stay on as the head gardener for almost fifty years. In early talks for the rose garden redesign, the Park Department voiced concerns about hitting underground lines. Bunny's plan called for large magnolia trees, which after some debate, were eventually ordered. But on this day, the underground line was cut during ground preparation. Bunny recalled that the problem was handled calmly and that she was never reprimanded. Bunny found the perfect magnolia trees for the White House over by the Tidal Basin overlooking the Jefferson Memorial. Once again, the Parks Department said "no" (due to costs). But Irvin Williams supported Bunny's idea, and he made arrangements to have the trees brought to the White House.  The roses included a yellow rose from the state of Texas called the Speaker Sam rose in honor of the late speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, a bright red variety from the World's Fair, a white rose name Frau Karl Druschki, and pink Doctor roses. Twenty-four days after the underground line was hit, the Garden, complete with magnolia trees and roses, was unveiled to the public. The updated rose garden was an instant success. The artist and friend of the Kennedys, William Walton, later wrote, [President Kennedy's] pleasure in that garden was infinite.   Thanks for listening to The Daily Gardener And remember: For a happy, healthy life, Garden every day.

Christine Morgan shares the real story of Mary Boleyn, a savvy and strong woman who survived her family's downfall in Henry VIII's England.Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistoryChristine Morgan@mschristinemoHistorian and Presenter at Tudors Dynasty Podcast Creative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Inspiring Dramatic Pack by Smart Sounds via Audio Jungle; Music Broadcast License

March 2022 marks the 500th anniversary of Anne Boleyn's first recorded appearance at the English court. To celebrate, Hever Castle - Anne's childhood home - has staged an exhibition charting her early life, and exploring the factors that moulded her character.March 2022 marks the 500th anniversary of Anne Boleyn's first recorded appearance at the English court. To celebrate, Hever Castle - Anne's childhood home - has staged an exhibition charting her early life, and exploring the factors that moulded her character.In this edition of Not Just the Tudors, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb goes to Hever Castle to talk to Dr. Owen Emmerson and Kate McCaffrey about the exhibition and their new book, Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court. The podcast also features a rendition of "Joyssance vous donneray" by Claudin de Sermisy, sung by Jay Britton.Watch Professor Suzannah Lipscomb exploring Hever Castle in History Hit's new documentary Becoming Anne Boleyn, here >Keep up to date with everything early modern, from Henry VIII to the Sistine Chapel with our Tudor Tuesday newsletter >If you would like to learn more about history, we have hundreds of history documentaries, ad-free podcasts and audiobooks at History Hit >To download, go to Android > or Apple store > See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

This week, it is a bonus episode from Done and Dunne Patreon! We explore Hever Castle, standing in the Kent countryside since the 12th century, and talk about its connections with two Tudor Queens - Anne Boleyn and Anne of Cleves, and as Astor too - William Waldorf Astor. Advertise with us! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of All Things Tudor, Alison Palmer, the Head Curator of Hever Castle, chats about the new Anne Boleyn exhibit called Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court. Join in as we learn more about England's most enigmatic Queen.   Connect with Alison: Twitter @hevercastle Connect with us: https://allthingstudor.com/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/AllThingsTudor https://www.facebook.com/TheDebATL

Anna of Cleves had an interesting life before and after her short marriage to Henry VIII.Show Notes:Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.com@shakeuphistoryHeather DarsieInstagram: @hdarsiehistoryTwitter: @hrdarsiehistorymaidensandmanuscripts.comAnna, Duchess of Cleves: The King's Beloved SisterCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Inspiring Dramatic Pack by Smart Sounds via Audio Jungle; Music Broadcast License

In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I return to Hever Castle in Kent, where I chat to Kate McCaffrey, Assistant Curator. We discuss a very special project that Kate has been working on: the study of Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours. Kate shares some spectacular and unexpected findings that tell us more about what happened to Anne's book, and how a network of Kentish women treasured her memory.    To watch my video with Kate where we discuss the secrets of Anne Boleyn's Book of Hours, click here.    If you enjoyed this podcast and wish to support my work, why not consider becoming a patron of the show. You can do so at various levels of sponsorship. To find out more about these levels here.   In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor History & Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.    You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on  Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook   Show Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris Guest:  Kate McCaffrey  Produced by Cutting Crew Productions

In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I'm joined by Dr Owen Emmerson, Castle Historian and Assistant Co-Curator at Hever Castle. Recorded during my visit to the castle back in July 2021, we talk about Anne of Cleves' time at Hever. We re-imagine how the castle would have looked during her occupancy and how she might have spent her time there. Also, we explore the Wyatt rebellion, spawned at nearby Allington Castle, and reflect how it brought Anne, dangerously close to ruin. Note: If you want to see this interview, including footage of the castle and the two portraits of Anne discussed in the podcast, visit my BRAND NEW YouTube channel: 'Tudor Talk' and be among the first to subscribe! You can find the video by following this link.   If you enjoyed this podcast and wish to support my work, why not consider becoming a patron of the show. You can do so at various levels of sponsorship. To find out more about these levels here.   In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor History & Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.    You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on  Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook   Show Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris Guest: Dr Owen Emmerson Produced by Cutting Crew Productions  

Listeners shared some of their favorite memorable moments of history with me, and I'm sharing with you!Show Notes:Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.comMentioned in show:Bl.ukCrowdcast.io/historic-royal-palaces Kateemccaffrey.wordpress.comCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Inspiring Dramatic Pack by Smart Sounds via Audio Jungle; Music Broadcast License

Being at Hever Castle helps shrink the distance between our modern lives and history. Join us for a trip back in time at Hever Castle.Show Notes:Host: Carol Ann LloydGuest: Dr. Owen Emmersonwww.drowenemmerson.com@drowenemmersonThe Boleyns of Hever Castle (with Claire Ridgway)Creative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Historical Documentary licensed through Audio Jungle/Envato Markets

I'm joined by Dr. Owen Emmerson (from TV's “The Boleyns”, “Who Do You Think You Are?”) and Claire Ridgway (“On This Day in Tudor History”, The Anne Boleyn Files) to discuss their new book “The Boleyns of Hever Castle,” exploring the private lives of an aristocratic dynasty and what everyday life was like in a manor house at the dawn of the Tudor era.

Anne Boleyn is one of the most famous and controversial women in history. Hever Castle's very own Dr Owen Emmerson joins us to look into how Anne Boleyn has been portrayed on screen. Follow Owen! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz-SoIHrvt5uVNBxsvWFV-w Buy our Merch! The History Hack Shop is Open! Like the episode? Drop us a tip via Ko-Fi! https://ko-fi.com/historyhack Like the podcast, join the fun on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/historyhack  

Show NotesKate McCaffrey, the Assistant Curator at Hever Castle, has recently uncovered new evidence on the Book of Hours owned and used by Anne Boleyn. Kate shares her findings and some connections to Elizabeth I.Credits:Host: Carol Ann Lloydwww.carolannlloyd.comGuest: Kate McCaffreykateemccaffrey.wordpress.comTwitter: @kateemccaffreyInstagram: @kateemccaffreyCreative Director: Lindsey LindstromMusic: Historical Documentary licensed through Audio Jungle/Envato MarketsEpisode Summary: Hever Castle was the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. The beautiful castle offers amazing insights into the family and personal life of this famous wife of Henry VIII and mother of Elizabeth I.Recently, Assistant Curator Kate McCaffrey uncovered evidence that Anne Boleyn's personal Book of Hours had been passed to family friends who cared for and kept the memento safe after Anne's dramatic fall from favor and violent death. The network of women from the neighborhood of Hever also have important connections to Anne's daughter, Elizabeth I. Kate generously shares her research and insights with us.

Ciaran has been lucky enough to investigate Hever Castle on multiple occasions, what are his thoughts on the place and why might it be haunted? Join him and host Penny, as they discuss the families who have lived there, the effects old buildings may have on people and whether it is homely or scary

Paul Griffiths is the Director of Painshill Park, an 18th century landscaped garden just south of London.  Paul also has an honorary doctorate in Heritage, Conservation, and Tourism from Solent University.  Painshill Park is a protected cultural heritage site within the United Kingdom that features beautiful walking paths, scenic natural landscapes, and a variety of follies.  (A folly is a small building with no specific purpose found within a park or estate that provides visual interest.)  Painshill allows its guests to explore and reconnect with nature while also allowing guests to focus on their physical and mental wellbeing.     Paul has worked the past 25 years or so in the tourism industry.  When he first went to college, he planned to major in the business aspects of the sports industry.  However, during the summer after his first year, Paul worked for a month at Hever Castle, the childhood home of Queen Anne Boleyn.  There, he learned the value of working at a beautiful historical site and fell in love with that aspect of the tourism industry.  Upon returning to college, Paul went on to earn a degree in heritage management.  Right after graduating, he began working in the English Heritage office and began working his way up, eventually becoming the area manager for 12 London Historic Properties.  His time with English Heritage also allowed Paul the opportunity to open a new museum and create business strategies for it.  These learnings would come in handy when Paul decided to try something new and start working at the Painshill Park in 2018.   Painshill Park was established in the 18th century by Charles Hamilton.  At the time, many people would take months-long tours around Europe, learning about different places and their cultures.  Most people brought home many items from their journey, but Hamilton brought home his memories and inspiration.  He was particularly inspired by architecture and nature.  This was why he created the landscaped gardens of Painshill Park.  The various follies around the grounds were inspired by some of his favorite architectural finds: a ruin, a Turkish tent, various bridges, and even a grotto with a waterfall.  The park changed hands numerous times throughout the years, and during World War II, the park fell into disrepair.  It wasn't until a charitable trust was established for the park in the 1980s that restoration began to bring the park back to its former glory.   When Paul began working at Painshill three years ago, it wasn't very well-known, even with locals.  That made spreading the word about the park a top priority.  One issue was that Painshill didn't have a strong tagline to describe what it truly was.  Paul worked with a consultant to create their new slogan:  “Where the walk is a work of art.”  In addition, Paul has worked at bringing in more guests by offering a variety of limited-time events.  They've had music, theater, and comedy events in the park after normal admission hours.  Paul has also invited local businesses to create installations of zoo animals and fantasy creatures that guests can find throughout the gardens.  Additionally, Paul and his team focus on providing exceptional guest service so that visitors will take stories home with them and share their experiences with others.  Word-of-mouth advertising is very powerful.  All of these efforts have led to an annual increase in guests from 75,000 to 200,000 in the span of several years.   Paul shared some of the many benefits of visiting a location like Painshill Park.  One is the ability to disconnect from our busy, electronics-filled lives and just enjoy nature.  Along those same lines is the escapism that visiting Painshill provides, especially during the challenging times of the pandemic.  As an outdoor, spread-out attraction, Painshill has been open for the majority of the pandemic, providing a place for locals to escape from their daily stress.  In addition, Painshill is a wonderful place to focus on personal well-being, both physical and mental.  Its circular walking trail is visited by some guests daily.  The park has also become a hub for educational experiences.  Students will come visit the park and spend time learning about and interacting with nature.     Painshill Park is an attraction, though it is different from most of the types of attractions that are regularly discussed on the AttractionPros podcast.  That being said, Paul said that he loves to learn from other segments of the attractions industry and apply what makes sense to Painshill.  One common thread for all types of attractions is the desire to provide excellent guest service and a memorable, enjoyable experience.     If you'd like to learn more about Painshill Park, you can check out their website.  If you'd like to get in touch with Paul, you can find him on Twitter or LinkedIn.   This podcast wouldn't be possible without the incredible work of our amazing team: Audio and video editing by Abigail Giganan Complete episode summary by Paige Reiter Scheduling and correspondence by Kristen Karaliunas Social media marketing by Kate Kujawa Branding and design by Fabiana Fonseca Email marketing by Sam Bercik To connect with AttractionPros: attractionpros@gmail.com  

Wedding season is upon us, and with lockdown easing across the UK, many postponed weddings will actually be going ahead this summer. We've got a round up of all the usual, and are churning out business ideas like they're going out of fashion. Find out who is inspiring us this month, and what potential purchase has got our attention.New ThingsSweet sticks lustre brush https://sweetsticks.com.au/product/lustre-brush-14/Progel baby pink, lilac and baby blue https://www.rainbowdust.co.uk/product/progel.htmlSquires Kitchen metallic lustre dusts https://www.squires-shop.com/search/SK+metallic%20lustreUp toHampton Court https://www.hrp.org.uk/hampton-court-palace/#gs.7illqdFour Seasons, Chinatown http://www.fs-restaurants.co.uk/Pictures of cakes we have made will be posted on our Instagram during the month www.instagram.com/thesugarcraftjunkiesMain FeatureNevs Cake Courrier https://www.instagram.com/n3vs_delivery/Hever Castle https://www.hevercastle.co.uk/Nurstead Court http://nursteadcourt.co.uk/Chatham Dockyard https://thedockyard.co.uk/Ones to watchMalarkey Cakes, Katie https://www.instagram.com/malarkeycakes/Vintage Adornments, Wendy Hook https://www.vintageadornments.co.uk/https://www.instagram.com/vintageadornments/Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/the-sugarcraft-junkies. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In this episode of The Tudor History & Travel Show, I'm joined by Claire Ridgway and Dr Owen Emmerson as we talk about the release of their new book 'The Boleyns of Hever Castle'. Hever Castle sits in Kent's countryside and is famous for its links with the Boleyn family. As I chat with Claire and Owen, they share the tale of how this wonderful book came to life. With stunning colour photographs throughout, Claire and Owen invite you to travel back in time into the home of the Boleyns as they rose to the pinnacle of English society, sharing their wealth of knowledge to help us build up an image of how the castle looked during the sixteenth century and learn why it was so cherished by those who called it home.  If you're interested in seeing an excerpt of the video version of this podcast, please click here.  If you'd like to watch the full version of the video, you can do so by becoming a connoisseur member of my Time Travellers Club, click here for some more information on how to join.  The links to buy a copy of 'The Boleyn's of Hever Castle' from Amazon or Hever's online shop are below:  Amazon UK Amazon US Hever Castle online shop   If you enjoyed this podcast and wish to support my work, why not consider becoming a patron of the show. You can do so at various levels of sponsorship. To find out more about these levels here.   In the meantime, if you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor History & Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.    You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on  Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook   Show Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris Guests: Claire Ridgway and Dr Owen Emmerson Produced by Cutting Crew Productions  

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Kate McCaffrey about the exciting discoveries she made while studying Anne Boleyn's books of hours at Hever Castle. Visit Kate's blog: https://kateemccaffrey.wordpress.com/ Find out more about your host at On the Tudor Trail.  Join our Talking Tudors Podcast Facebook group for all the behind-the-scenes news and updates. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful patrons! If you love Talking Tudors and would like to show your appreciation, and support the work I do, I invite you to become a part of the Talking Tudors family and become my patron! Music break - 'To Be Brave' from Boleyn the Musical Singer: Jackie Burns (from Broadway's Wicked) Music & Lyrics: Jessy Tomsko (from the show Boleyn) Arrangement: Adam Michael Kaufman & Jessy Tomsko Strings: Tomoko Akaboshi & Keiji Ishiguri

Hello and welcome to The Progress Theory where we discuss how to implement scientific principles to optimise human performance. We've started a new series of episodes. These Progress Theory episodes aim to discuss how I (@thepricep) am putting Science into practice into my own physical challenges, as the best way to learn about human performance and sport science is to put it into practice, see what works and what didn't work, reflect on the results, review and repeat the process. What is important about these Progress theory Episodes is how they're going to focus on how I am making my programming decisions. What information am I using? How am I determining what is important for me and my training for a particular event at that given time? It is these decision-making skills that I hope will help our listeners make their own programming decisions. Making a training programme that is both specific to you as an athlete and your goal is difficult and requires a lot of thought as to what to include in your programme, what not to include in your programme, and decide where the right level of training is for you. For example, working on too many things at once may appear specific to your goals, but may accumulate too much fatigue which actually decreases performance or even increases the risk of injury. It is these types of issues that this podcast will discuss. I won't just list through my programme as that would be dull. However, I will go through key decisions and scientific principles that I think make up the important components of my programming, explaining my rationale behind them. So, the first challenge is The Gauntlet at the festival of endurance at Hever Castle hosted by Castle Triathlon. 1.9km swim, 90km bike, finished with a half marathon run. Only 8 weeks to prepare, which isn't much considering the poor training state at the beginning of the year. In this episode, we discuss: 0:00 - Introduction 2:30 - The Gauntlet 4:10 - My training history 6:00 - The specific components of the programme covered in this episode 7:14 - Efficiency is key and the driver of decision making in this programme 10:07 - Rate of Perceived exertion 15:01 - Exercise focus 16:38 - Poor motion around the C7/T1 junction 22:00 - Left hip impingement 25:28 - Left foot being a poor shock absorber 28:52 - Contrast sets 34:25 - Episode summary There are plenty more things to talk about, including the programming over the 8 weeks, which I will definitely cover in the next few episodes. I hope you enjoyed the episode and that it sparked some ideas in your own training. Please follow @theprogresstheory on Instagram and youtube, leave a comment or share us on your story. We really appreciate the help as we grow the channel. Also, head to our websitehttp://www.theprogresstheory.com/ ( www.theprogresstheory.com) where you can find all of our content. We'll see you in the next episode https://the-progress-theory.captivate.fm/listen (FOLLOW OUR PODCAST) Follow our Host / Guesthttps://www.instagram.com/theprogresstheory/ (@theprogresstheory) https://www.instagram.com/thepricep/?hl=en (@thepricep) Explore these Resources or Items Mentioned in the Show https://www.castletriathlonseries.co.uk/ (Castle Triathlon) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrSg8aKK_78&t=2s (Rich Blagrove The Progress Theory episode) https://dgcoaching.co.uk/ (DG coaching) https://watthealth.co.uk/ (WattHealth) https://scholar.google.com/ (Google Scholar) https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00421-012-2421-x (Ratings of Perceived exertion) https://amzn.to/3wBuDzC (Bands) https://amzn.to/3fkxDdR (Toe spacers) https://amzn.to/2SwFagt (Garmin) https://finding-centre.myshopify.com/products/wake-your-feet-up (Wedges) Mentioned in this episode: The Progress Theory Hybrid Athlete Training Template Hey, it's Phil, I am quickly jumping on before the podcast to share with you an exciting announcement. As part...

This week we discuss our new kids wrestling academy in Hastings, AEW Blood & Guts, Dark Side Of The Ring, & a remarkable discovery at Hever Castle. Strong language & adult humour throughout.

Anne Boleyn has been trending on Twitter after it was announced that secret inscriptions were found hidden in the Book of Hours that she took to her execution. They were discovered by Kate McCaffrey who talks to Suzannah in this special to mark the 485th anniversary of Anne Boleyn's death, on 19 May 1536.Also in this episode, Suzannah goes to Anne's childhood home of Hever Castle in Kent to meet Dr.Owen Emmerson and delves deep into Anne's family background with Dr. Lauren MacKay. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Prime Minister has attempted to clear-up any confusion over where we can travel abroad for a holiday following the easing of coronavirus lockdown restrictions. A traffic light system was introduced on Monday putting countries in categories of red, amber or green. Hear what Boris Johnson had to say at Prime Minister's Questions today after the government was accused of giving mixed messages. We've also been speaking to a Tunbridge Wells based travel agent and a mum and daughter from Canterbury and Folkestone who're currently in Gibraltar. Also in today's podcast, Eurostar are being urged to be more specific on when they plan to resume services from Kent after a rescue package was agreed. We tell you which rides will be reopening at Margate's Dreamland this summer. And hear about the fascinating research that's been carried out in Kent and reveals for the first time what happened to Anne Boleyn's prayer book after her death. It's currently on display at her family home, Hever Castle.

Dr Owen Emmerson and Claire Ridgway are excited to announce the release date of their forthcoming book, "The Boleyns of Hever Castle".   It will be released as a coffee-table style book and ebook on 1st August 2021 and Owen and Claire are launching it with a special talk and book signing at the Festival Theatre, Hever Castle, on that date. Book your ticket at https://heverfestival.co.uk/index.php/the-boleyns-of-hever-castle/   --------------------- Hever Castle is a picture-postcard fortified manor house nestled in the Kent countryside. It is, of course, famous for its links with the Boleyns, an East Anglian gentry family who rose and fell dramatically at the court of King Henry VIII.   In The Boleyns of Hever Castle, historians Dr Owen Emmerson and Claire Ridgway invite you into the home of this notorious family.    Travel back in time to those 77 years of Boleyn ownership. Tour each room just as it was when Anne Boleyn retreated from court to escape the advances of Henry VIII or when she fought off the dreaded ‘sweat’. See the 16th century Hever Castle come to life with room reconstructions and read the story of the Boleyns, who, in just five generations, rose from petty crime to a castle, from Hever to the throne of England...

It's our Christmas episode! ...Sort of. Get yourself some spiked egg nog or hot buttered rum and join us as Leanne covers the chilling Dyatlov Pass incident. Then Alannah takes us on a haunted history tour of Hever Castle in the UK, which has its own special ties to Christmas.

A woman who was in an abusive relationship for 10 years has told her story in a bid to help others.Sadie - not her real name - now helps to run refuges in west Kent.She's spoken of the moment she realised what she was putting up with wasn't right and how she finally made the decision to leave.Also in today's podcast, the row over the tier system after lockdown continues - hear from the chief exec of Hever Castle who says people in the west of the county are being unfairly punished.There's been a rise in the number of people home schooling during the pandemic - a mum tells us how it's going for her.And we have reaction to Gillingham's exit from the FA Cup.

Skip the Queue is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. Your host is  Kelly Molson, MD of Rubber Cheese.Download our free ebook The Ultimate Guide to Doubling Your Visitor NumbersIf you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip the Queue or visit our website rubbercheese.com/podcastIf you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned in this episode.Competition ends March 31st 2021. The winner will be contacted via Twitter. Show references:A dynamic and proven senior manager with over 20 years’ experience within the leisure and heritage sectors.  Paul has been Head of Operations for the Mary Rose Museum. Head of Visitor Operations for the London Historic Properties at English Heritage. Guest lecture at Southampton Solent University in Contemporary Tourism. In July 2018 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business for services to Tourism, Heritage and Conservation.www.painshill.co.ukwww.twitter.com/Painshillwww.facebook.com/painshillparkwww.linkedin.com/in/paul-griffiths-63432763 Transcription:Kelly Molson:Welcome to Skip The Queue, a podcast for people working in, or working with visitor attractions. I'm your host, Kelly Molson. Each episode, I speak with industry experts from the attractions world.In today's episode, I speak with Paul Griffiths, Director of Painshill Park, a beautifully restored, 18th-century landscape, designed by Charles Hamilton. We discuss the transformation of Painshill, the emotional reopening, team motivation, and the benefits of pre-booking. If you like what you hear, you can subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, and all the usual channels by searching Skip The Queue.Kelly Molson:Paul, welcome to Skip The Queue podcast.Paul Griffiths:No, Kelly. Thanks for having me.Kelly Molson:It's really lovely to have you on. Paul and I have chatted a few times. We've been kind of Twitter buddies for a while, haven't we? That's how we first-Paul Griffiths:Yeah.Kelly Molson:... got introduced-Paul Griffiths:It's how you meet people these days, isn't it, via Twitter?Kelly Molson:Absolutely. And then, we've had a chat, and now Paul's very kindly agreed to come on to the podcast, to share all about Painshill Park. But we start as ever with our ice-breaker questions, Paul. Are you ready?Paul Griffiths:Yeah, nervous, but ready.Kelly Molson:I've gone easy on you, don't worry. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?Paul Griffiths:Probably a professional footballer, but before that, an astronaut.Kelly Molson:Oh, quite different. And so, football ... I know this about you. You're a big Charlton fan, aren't you?Paul Griffiths:Yeah, I'd have been playing up front in the valley, but no I wasn't good enough to play for the park, because I don't know I'd make a professional debut. But no, that was my dream for years, to be a professional footballer.Kelly Molson:Oh, and then the astronaut, just didn't happen?Paul Griffiths:Didn't happen, no. I never did make it to space. Space Mountain, is about as far as I've got. Yeah, but that's-Kelly Molson:Same. Okay, this is another retro one. What is the most embarrassing fashion trend, that you rocked?Paul Griffiths:Ooh, that's a good question. I tell you what I had, and I don't know if any listeners will remember these. Jeans, with pictures of The Flintstones on.Kelly Molson:Yes.Paul Griffiths:And I'll have been about 12, or something at the time. And you had Fred on one leg, and Barney on the other, or something like that. And they were really trendy, for one summer.Kelly Molson:I think we're probably around the same age, because genuinely, I had those, and I can remember. Yeah, I had those. Yeah, what was that about?Paul Griffiths:No idea. I remember being really excited, on holiday. It was on a holiday camp somewhere, and there was a little market nearby. Finding them in the market, and buying them, and being really excited by this. Various other dreadful things... I remember wearing dungarees for a while, and thinking I was really trendy. But from a bloke, that's obviously a bit of a strange one.Kelly Molson:I still wear dungarees now, Paul, so-Paul Griffiths:Yeah, that's why I said-Kelly Molson:[crosstalk 00:02:43] That's okay.Paul Griffiths:... but yeah, it's ...Kelly Molson:I was thinking about this question, this morning, before I asked you, and thinking, "What would I answer to this?" And I thought, "Well, it would be the Bros era for me," because I had the Grolsch tops on my shoes. And I had a denim jacket, that had a massive patch, of Bros, on the back of it, as well. What a loser.Paul Griffiths:But you see, what I find really weird, is that people in my office haven't heard of Bros. I brought them up, as a cultural reference point, at some point. And younger people haven't heard of them. No one's heard ... I was trying to explain the whole Brosette thing, and people having watches on their shoes, and just everyone was looking at me like I was ... I was DJing somewhere once ... that's a completely different story, but put on, When Will I Be Famous? And the floor cleared, no one knew it at all.Kelly Molson:Oh, no.Paul Griffiths:Note to self, don't play Bros at a disco.Kelly Molson:Except, if I'm there, and I'd have been, I'll be right in the middle. Okay, one more of these and then your unpopular opinion. If you could have an unlimited supply of one thing, for the rest of your life, what would it be?Paul Griffiths:Ooh, that's a good question. Probably McDonald's breakfasts.Kelly Molson:Oh, Paul, they are the [crosstalk 00:04:06] ultimate hangover cure.Paul Griffiths:You can't go wrong with a McMuffin.Kelly Molson:Yeah, I'm with you. Double sausage and egg?Paul Griffiths:With bacon, for me.Kelly Molson:That could be an unpopular opinion in itself, Paul.Paul Griffiths:Well, couldn't it just. Yeah, what do you have as McDonald's breakfast?Kelly Molson:On that note then, I want to know what your unpopular opinion is.Paul Griffiths:I'm going to say, that I just don't get the point of Instagram. You've got Twitter, you've got Facebook, why do you need something else? I just don't get why you need another channel. Surely two, Twitter for work, and professional stuff. Facebook great for your fun stuff. Why do you need Instagram? I don't get it, at all.Kelly Molson:Oh, no. I feel like this is going to throw up some debate, Paul. I do not agree with you on this one, so this is-Paul Griffiths:Fair enough.Kelly Molson:... definitely an unpopular opinion. I find Facebook a bit negative, whereas on Instagram, I'm just in my little, happy world of posting up all my lovely things. It just feels a bit happier, a happier place, to me. It's less ranty-Paul Griffiths:Yes, I could do it again, yeah. I just tried it for a while. I was talked into it by a good friend, and former colleague. He was saying, "Oh, you really want to do this." And after a week, I thought, "How am I going to run three different things, trying to put three different things on?" So for me, it's easier to separate my life. So I've got friends and old colleagues and things, on Facebook, and then everyone else on Twitter.Kelly Molson:So everyone, when you get promoted to Facebook, you know that you're Paul's real friends.Paul Griffiths:Yeah.Kelly Molson:Brilliant. Thank you for sharing that, Paul. I really appreciate it. Gosh, I've got so much to talk to you about today. I've been looking at your background-Paul Griffiths:Oh, that's scary.Kelly Molson:... in the attractions and heritage world, and gosh, it's very impressive, isn't it? So you're currently Director of Painshill Park, and director of, is it ... Sorry?Paul Griffiths:Well, a Director, one of the board.Kelly Molson:One of the board?Paul Griffiths:Yeah. [crosstalk 00:06:02] chair, and about seven or eight board members, who do an amazing job.Kelly Molson:Fantastic. You've been Head of Ops, at the Mary Rose Museum, Head of Visitor Operations, at London Historic Properties, at the English Heritage. You Guest Lecture, at Southampton Uni, in Contemporary Tourism, and in 2018, you were awarded an Honorary Doctorate in Business, for services to Tourism, Heritage, and Conservation. It's not a bad list, is it, Paul?Paul Griffiths:Sounds good when you say it like that.Kelly Molson:Wasn't it?Paul Griffiths:I wonder who you were describing-Kelly Molson:It's you. So I want to know, where this love of the sector has come from, because you've got such an impressive background in it.Paul Griffiths:Do you know? It's a really easy answer. I went off to Uni, to study Leisure Management. And at that point, I was thinking of going more into sports, and so leisure world. So maybe running ... after we talked about earlier on about, "What do you want to do when you grow up?" Well, I knew I wasn't going to make it as a professional footballer, but well, could I work in football? Could I work in the offices? Could I become a commercial manager in a football club? Could you do that stuff? So I went off to study leisure management, and at the end of year one, we had to do a month's work placement. One of those head out for a month and I couldn't really think what to do. And in the end, approached a few tourism attractions, because I sort of got a bit more into the tourism side, in that first year. Because it was a modular degree, so we were doing four different subjects, every term. And it was very much like school, there were three terms, and we'd do from four different subjects.Paul Griffiths:And I wrote to Hever Castle, and they accepted to take me down there for a month. I was down there, with a chap called Piers, who was the business services manager, or business operations manager, at the time. Just had an amazing job. So I spent this month, shadowing Piers, who I still occasionally now. He works for the Tate. Well, he did ... last time I saw him, he worked for the Tate, so I hope he still does. Otherwise, this could be a really difficult episode, if he doesn't anymore-Kelly Molson:Awkward.Paul Griffiths:... Yeah. I still often bump into him, at ALVA events, and stuff, which was absolutely fabulous. But no, I spent this month with Piers. It was just brilliant. We put on flower shows, in the castle. I can remember driving this funny, little van. I'd never driven a van before in my life, and I was thrown the keys, and told to go and pick up this lovely old lady, with all her flowers, because it was like the local WI, doing a flower display. You know how fabulous events can be, in our industry, and it was just brilliant. The weather was fabulous. Piers' job involved wandering around ... I don't mean wandering around, but going from the tea room, to shop, to ob missions, making sure everything was working right. And I just thought, "This is just brilliant. This is what I want to do, is in a fabulous, historic setting, talking to people, dealing with loads of different heads of departments."Paul Griffiths:And everyone was really lovely, in the same way, that most people in our industry are really lovely. So everyone-Kelly Molson:Very true.Paul Griffiths:... everyone you bumped into round Hever, was just utterly fabulous. So I went back to uni, and at this point, we had to choose our ... Sorry, this is quite a long answer, Kelly. Apologies. But we then had to choose a pathway, of which we'd specialize in. So you then had leisure management as half your course, and then your pathway as the second half. And you could have done rural tourism, straight leisure management, there was a more legal side. And I chose to do heritage management, so that sort of swayed my degree.Paul Griffiths:So my degree was in Leisure and Heritage Management, a fabulous thing to have. And then, after leaving, I just wanted to get a job in the sector. And was quite lucky, just got a job in English Heritage. My first job was making the tea for the quantity surveyors, and booking their travel, and just working in the office, as basically the dogsbody, is the only way I can describe it. But it was a route in. And EH's rules then, was that they would try and recruit most jobs internally first. So you'd get a weekly jobs file come round, and I'd open it eagerly, every week, to see what was available.Paul Griffiths:And then, got this job at Down House, home of Charles Darwin, which hadn't opened to the public. It had just been taken on by EH. We had this amazing two months, getting ready for opening, and then throwing the doors open to the public. And all the fun and games that went on then, it was just ... So from there, I just stayed with English Heritage for, gosh, 15, 16 years, something like that. Thankfully, just moving into different, progressive roles, which was fabulous. And ended up, as Area Manager for London. So I had the entirety of London, with 12 sites around London. Really spread out, as well. So you had Kenwood House up on Hampstead, which was where my office was. Chiswick House, and Marble Hill in West London. As far afield as Tilbury Fort in Essex, and sort of towards the east, the Jewel Tower, which was the oldest surviving part of the Palace of Westminster.Paul Griffiths:It's the bit that you always see, behind ... when MP's are being interviewed on the news, the Jewels House always just merrily behind it. So we managed to move ... when I was there, some signs, to be just behind where the interview was. It was a perfect product placement for us. But yeah, it was an amazing job. I spent most of the time-traveling, from around. I was rubbish at diary management, so I'd find myself agreeing to be in Kenwood, in the morning, and then Down House, or Elton Palace in the afternoon. So forever turning up late to those.Paul Griffiths:Yeah, but great. I loved it. As I say, I was there for, well, gosh 15 ... so from '97, to 2012, so what's that, 15 years, isn't it?Kelly Molson:That sounds incredible, and what a place for an office, as well. A spectacular place for an office. I'm just going to pick up Essex, as well, because Essex girl. So Tilbury massive, well done.Paul Griffiths:It's the thought that counts.Kelly Molson:So now, you're at your new role, this role. Tell us a little bit about the park, and how you've come to be there, and what you're doing there.Paul Griffiths:Yeah, so after English Heritage, I spent five or six years, down at Mary Rose, as you mentioned earlier. Then, came here in November 2018. I must confess, I'd sort of heard of Painshill, but I didn't really know it. And I think that sums up what its problem was, so much that even local people didn't know it was here. I came in November, as I say. It wouldn't be fair to go into details, but there had been a lot of changes at Painshill, and a lot of the team had moved on. And so, I was left with a smallish team, and then we were able to recruit some, actually fabulous new staff, as well.Paul Griffiths:So myself and the head of finance started on exactly the same day. We both arrived in our cars, parked up, getting our little boxes out, with our mugs in, and everything else, that you do on day one. And set about trying to make changes. Painshill itself is an 18th-century landscape garden. It's 158 acres, we have the most amazing views. It was designed by the Right Honorable Charles Hamilton, obviously in the 18th century, who'd done some grand tours around Europe, and then came back and set about building, and creating this quite sensational landscape garden, which includes a number of garden buildings, or follies, as a lot of people would call them, towers, crystal grottoes, hermitages, temples ... two different temples in fact, a ruined abbey, so built as a ruin. And guests, in the 18th century would walk the route.Paul Griffiths:And it was designed that people could get their easel out, at any point and paint, because every view would be picture perfect. This is a very quick, potted history. I could talk for hours on end, but I won't. The gardens were sadly lost, after the second world war, whereafter they'd been used for training and development of troops, sold off piecemeal. And it wasn't until the '70s, and '80s ... well, the '70s really, that there was a campaign to save Painshill. It was really recognized by particularly local garden history experts, that what had been one of the first, and most finest landscape gardens, was lost. It really was a completely overgrown mess, is the only way I can describe it.Paul Griffiths:And very, fortunately, and quite farsighted, for the time, the local council purchased 158 acres of the land, through negotiation, compulsory purchase, et cetera. And The Trust was then formed because the council realized they wouldn't be able to fundraise, because who gives money to local councils? So The Trust was formed, and we were given the park, on a 100-year lease with ethical rent, and basically told to restore it back to how it was in the 1700s. Which is what The Trust has been doing ever since. The Trust will be 40 years old next year.Paul Griffiths:So that's a very potted area of where we are. And today, whilst I don't think the restoration work will ever be completed, because the second you turn your back on it, a tree will grow behind you, or something, work we didn't do. I don't want to sound like I'm being rude about people who were before. And I'm not, I promise, but the site may have been coming into the insular, hence people didn't really know of it. It wasn't really managing to push itself enough. It wasn't really connected to a lot of the local, or national tourism industry things, that we all know work so well. And in this last nine ... or in the six months, or whatever we've now been through in the whole COVID situation, how much we've all worked together. And Painshill wasn't really connected in with any of those networks.Paul Griffiths:One of the things that I wanted to do, was obviously make it more well-known and get the name out there a lot more. So, Chrissie, who's my Head of Marketing, has been doing an amazing job of pushing the story out there, and getting it into so many different places, and we've been getting so much amazing coverage. In the last part of the summer, we've got on BBC News, we've been on ITV News. Really great coverage for the park. One of the first things we did, when I arrived, was to do quite a major piece of rebranding, because what we didn't have, was a brand. Painshill didn't have a strapline.Paul Griffiths:If you Googled it then, you'd come up with about 12 different names. Most of them we'd given ourselves, at some point. Whether it was Painshill Landscape Gardens, was it Painshill The Hamilton Landscape? But of course, no one's heard of Hamilton, because he didn't really do much else. Unless you're a real garden history fanatic, you wouldn't know who he was. It didn't really work, so we utilized a consultant chap, called Scott Sherrard, who did an absolutely sensational job, of pulling together trustees, and volunteers. We got local industry people, the head of tourism in Guildford along, and all this stuff, and did a few workshops.Paul Griffiths:And Scott then used his years of experience and skills, and came up with this phrase, "Painshill, where the walk is a work of art," and it just worked so well. And we've been able to use that in all our promotion and marketing, and it's just given us something to always hook ourselves onto, is that we are where the walk is a work of art. Because you have to walk, everyone in the 18th century had to walk round it. It's the way you get around Painshill. And as Hamilton described it as where you can get your easel out and paint, you can now get your iPhone out, and get your Instagram picture. You see-Kelly Molson:See?Paul Griffiths:... I found a use for it.Kelly Molson:There's always a link, as well. I love this, there's always a link to my weird questions somewhere, in these interviews. Gosh, Paul, can I just ask how long have you been in the role, currently?Paul Griffiths:Nearly two years. So November I started, November 2018.Kelly Molson:Okay, and so I'm getting that a global pandemic wasn't something that you were ever expecting to have to deal with, in your second year of employment there.Paul Griffiths:Right.Kelly Molson:I want to talk a little bit about lockdown, what it was like, what you've needed to implement, since you've been reopened. And again, let's talk about what demand has been like, because the message has been very, very clear, the whole way through, "Outside is safe." So my assumption, and I know we've chatted, is you've probably been quite busy, since you've been back open?Paul Griffiths:Yeah, it's been a very interesting time, hasn't it? For everybody, and none of us saw this ... Maybe some people did. I didn't have it on our risk register, I didn't have it on any of our planning. We'd often talked about high winds, and storms, and floods, and fires. But global pandemic, I don't think was up there, or any virus, was it? And that point being, global I think is the most remarkable thing.Paul Griffiths:I've got a really good friend, who's the development director, at the San Diego Museum of Us. And he and I, would sit, regularly chatting, during the lockdown on Zoom, and you've just got the same problems. It was so bizarre really. You have exactly the same ... "What you closing? And what are you doing? How are you re-opening?" It was just bizarre, to be sitting, chatting to someone on the other side of the world, literally, having the same problems. We went into lockdown in ... it was a worrying time, as it was for all of us. So myself, and my head of finance, we sat and we played around with business plans, and figures and stuff. At one point ... this is before ... and when you look back, it really did come quick, didn't it?Paul Griffiths:You look back on that ... and I looked in my diary recently, for something completely different, and thought, "It was only two weeks earlier, we were out for someones ... one of our team was leaving to go on maternity leave, and we all went to the local pub and had a nice meal." And we were all sat down on the table, and that was like three weeks before we were closed, or two weeks before we closed. Blimey, that was ... I was at a football stadium. I was at The Valley, the week before football was canceled, 20 odd thousand people sat around me, without really feeling anything concerning. There were a lot of people washing their hands a lot more. In fact, it was the first time at football, I'd ever queued to wash my hands. I'm not saying men normally do, at football.Paul Griffiths:But yeah, it was a really ... so we had all these business plans, and there was a genuine, genuine fear the charity Painshill wouldn't survive, because we're an independent charity. We received no government funding. We're not part of The Trust, or anyone else. We are our own, little, independent charity. And there was a genuine, "Look, okay so if we close for three months, four months ... " whatever it might have been.Paul Griffiths:You were hearing all the rumors, "We won't survive. We'll have cleared all our reserves, and would be owing the bank lots of cash, and we'd be trying to close the place down." And we was ... "Well, we can't do that." Luckily, before we had to close, the job retention scheme had been released, so we were fortunate to go into closure, knowing that was there. And that was savior number one, I think, because we were able to make 80% of our team on furlough. And isn't it funny, I'd never even heard the word furlough 12 months ago.Kelly Molson:I know.Paul Griffiths:I can remember just having a discussion in the office, trying to work out how to pronounce it. "Are you furloud, fullood, fullowed? What is this word, that now suddenly everyone's writing about?" So we were able to do that, and that really did set us up to say, "Right okay, so we'll use a lot of our reserves, but we can get through a potential three, four-month closure, and still be alive." We then launched a save Painshill campaign, and that was a really fabulous thing that we did.Paul Griffiths:And that was our head of fundraising, Karen, and Chrissie, into the head of marketing, really pushing those messages out. So we released a lot of footage, that hadn't gone out before, with a real clear message, with voiceovers. I did a few recorded voice messages from home, and they were either put over videos, or I was just talking to the camera, like I am now, saying why we needed help. And we raised about 30 grand in the end, for that campaign. It was brilliant.Paul Griffiths:10 grand of that, was a foundation picked up ... We hadn't applied to them. They picked up our campaign, and said, "We really want to support Painshill, it's so important." So, that was a brilliant start. And all these little things ... Steve, my head of visitor and commercial services, came up with this idea of selling our own wines from our vineyard. So we always sell wine, and we make our own gin, which is made from botanicals, from the kitchen garden. So all of the botanicals come from the kitchen garden, and the little gin kitchen in Dorkingshire. The little startup business turns it into the product, and it comes back in these lovely jars. We did a delivery service, around the local area. A number of our volunteers, who were happy to come and help ... because we rely very on our volunteers. Although we've shut the [inaudible 00:22:14] all our volunteers down, anyone happy in their car, to nip round the local area, delivering.Paul Griffiths:We just couldn't sell enough. We sold so much of this gin and wine, and delivered it. It was brilliant, and I think for people it was a way of supporting us, and also getting a great product at the same time, everyone's a winner. So, that was great. So we got about 10 grand in the end, from sales from gin and wine. So all these little things, kept edging away at it. Whilst at the time, we were obviously planning reopening, we've been one of the last places to close. We literally were open on Monday the 23rd of March, and it was only that night, when Boris said at eight o'clock, or whatever it was he said it. He always did these messages really late, didn't he?Kelly Molson:Yeah.Paul Griffiths:That you'd have to change your plans, overnight. So the announcement there was like, "We've got to close." And I remember sitting there, and funnily enough, I was putting my son, Barney to bed. And I was sat with the iPad, just writing, as he was dropping off, saying, "We're going to have to close. We can't pull this off any longer." But what we had done is, we'd had a little practice with social distancing, because that weekend before, and going into that week, when it was things like cafés could only be takeaways, so we reconfigured our tea room, to be a takeaway only service. You needed to have social distancing, and one way systems, so we'd started to introduce it.Paul Griffiths:So we had a little practice, which was great, and it meant that we knew how we could reopen. So we were very lucky, in the sense that when, therefore, we started planning our reopening, we'd had a bit of a go, and we knew what would work. So we probably had a little advantage on some of our friends, at other sites, who maybe hadn't had that trial to see what happened. We had to still amend it a bit further. We closed the shop and brought people out of the shop. And then there was all that, "Could you open the shop? Can you open the shop?" And we ended up reopening on the 28th of May, with four days for members. And the first few days we opened, was really emotional. I felt really emotional, having people back in. My team did.Paul Griffiths:I actually remember, during lockdown ... because although we were all working from home, we'd all pop in occasionally, to check phones, and just do little bits and pieces, and also just to make sure everything was all right, and just check on everything. And I came up with my dog, and I walked the dog round the grounds, with not a soul in there. And there was a part of me that thought, "Wow, this is quite special. I'm walking round Painshill, and there's not a soul here." But then the main part of me, was like, "This is really sad. I feel a bit weird, there should be people here. I want public, and people, and stopping, chatting to members and visitors."Paul Griffiths:But what was really emotional was the response we were getting from members who were coming back. There was two particular different incidents. One lady said she'd not been out of her house for nine weeks, and this was the first time she'd come out.Kelly Molson:Wow, yeah.Paul Griffiths:And that was like, "Wow, you've put a lot of trust into us then, because you're coming here, on your first time out." And the second woman ... this was really quite emotional, said ... The stuff we'd sent out, like videos, pictures ... because we were doing lots of blogs, because obviously, you weren't seeing the seasons, and people love ... they'd seen a bit of the daffodils from this blog, and the bluebells, and [inaudible 00:25:20]. All this had just gone without anyone seeing it, this year. And then we had all the chicks, and all the wildlife, giving birth to all their little ones, pottering round the lake. And we were able to put lots, and lots of pictures out. And this woman's come up and said, "All the stuff you've put out, is the one thing that's kept me going."Kelly Molson:Oh, gosh.Paul Griffiths:And you're just like, "We're a tourist attraction, and that's not normally how you ... " I'd never been thanked so much, for basically just doing my job, because we'd got the doors open. And people just kept stopping, saying, "Oh, thank you for getting it open." And just carried on. We opened to the public on the 1st of June, and the numbers have just been phenomenal. I think because we've been very public on how we'd done the social distancing side of it, so people knew before they came. We did a little video, very basically filmed, but it worked really well. Just showing how you were going to come in, which was your route, where the toilets were because we'd closed our main toilets. You'll remember, Kelly, but that was the subject on everyone's lips, wasn't it?Kelly Molson:Toilets.Paul Griffiths:"How do you do toilets?"Kelly Molson:Big issue, yeah.Paul Griffiths:Biggest issue. And we were very lucky, of course, because we're outside. So we closed the main toilets, and put some posh Portaloos in. And people liked them, because there was one cubicle. You opened the door, went in and did your business, came out, and off you went. Bit of a quick hand sanitizer, and off you went, sort of thing. And it worked really well. And yeah, the numbers carried on. August was great, September was good, October has been good. It's just for us, it's this whole, when will the bubble burst? In terms of numbers, which I hope it won't. But it's been very difficult planning, as I know it is for all our colleagues and friends that we chat to.Paul Griffiths:You can't, really, realistically, start planning events and things for next year, because you just don't know what you can do. How many people are going to come to a wedding? How many people are going to be able to come to an event? And things like that.Kelly Molson:I've got so many questions, Paul. Thank you for sharing all of that. That little story, about that lady has really just ... it's just made my heart just pump a little bit. I can completely understand why you were so emotional about that. It's so heartwarming, isn't it?Paul Griffiths:Mm-hmm (affirmative).Kelly Molson:You forget how much places mean to people, what it means to them.Paul Griffiths:I've never been in a job ... I've been in this industry ... I've never done anything else, as you talked about earlier. I've always worked in attractions. And I've never been on first name terms with people before, in an attraction. Or people will stop me, to ask how I ... I used to do a quite a bit of running. I haven't run properly for a while. Literally, we're talking 5K park runs here. I'm not saying marathons or anything. I had a bit of a knee injury, and this chap, regularly now, stops me to ask how my knee ... It's just really nice, because people see us as being part of the ... it's where they come. We do have people who come every single day.Paul Griffiths:They come and walk the dog, they stop, and they have coffees, but part of their experience, is chatting to the staff, as well. It's-Kelly Molson:Is that something new, since lockdown then, or did that happen before, as well?Paul Griffiths:It definitely happened before. I think since lockdown, I've certainly found I've got chatting to a lot more people. I don't know if that's maybe I've changed. I don't know, it just feels that maybe I'm just getting to know people, after I've been here for two years. And I think because I'm ... I'm not meaning this ... trumpet playing, but because I, as director, fronted up a lot of our campaigns, to appeals, and was filming videos of me, talking saying, "We really need support, please ... " and we had a number of ways that people could support us. One of which was, "If you're a member, please stay being a member. Please don't leave us and go. Please renew." We made the decision very early on, that we would add some time onto membership, and went out there. Maybe because we've got a lot smaller membership base, we were able to get our messages out very quickly to people, and tell them what we were doing.Paul Griffiths:And I think, because we are a small, independent charity, with only one attraction, we were only making decisions for one place. Which, I think was harder for some of our friends, and colleagues, where they've got hundreds of sites, or whatever. They were having to consider all sorts of different scenarios, weren't they? When we were only ... consider one.Kelly Molson:I want to ask about membership, actually. Membership and locality, were two really key topics, at the Visitor Attractions Conferences. What we were hearing is that, in a lot of attractions, people purchased memberships, while those venues were locked down. And we were seeing something like a 23 to 25% increase in memberships, across some attractions. Did you find that happened at Painshill? And has your audience changed, as well? So do you have more people coming back, that are locally based now, as well?Paul Griffiths:I'll answer the first part of the question straight away. Yes, we managed to retain our members, and even saw some growth during lockdown, because it was one of the big things we were pushing, saying, "Look, when we reopen, you'll be able to come out and see Painshill, will be able to enjoy the landscape." And I think we certainly have seen a lot of people joining, since we reopened. Because of our small visitor numbers, and because we're only one site, we made a call very early on, as well, that members wouldn't have to book in advance. And that really helped us, because I think we gained a lot of members, because they quite like that flexibility. So if you're a day visitor, if you like, you want to buy a day ticket, you needed to book a slot. That's been great, and there's a number of things we've talked about on that.Paul Griffiths:But for members, I think not having to book meant that they could just have that flexibility to come when they liked, and stuff. And I think that's really helped us push those members. The challenge of course, is we need to keep those members, because my trustee board won't expect to see a dramatic drop in visitor numbers. And they'll be asking me, quite rightly, questions of what we've done. One of the things we're trying to plot now, is what can we do to really impress those members, that if when we get to 12 months from now, you're not having to pre-book anywhere else anymore. Although I'm starting feel like this is going to be on a lot longer than, I think, any of us did think.Paul Griffiths:I just had another [inaudible 00:31:27] there. Why I'm saying that is, because when we reopened in May, I was making decisions based around a summer attraction. And I now have [inaudible 00:31:36] year-round. And we're now having to think, "Well, actually we need to give some thought to heating, and keeping people warm." So our volunteers, and front of house team, we took out ... In the pre-COVID days, at Painshill, you came into the shop, which also doubled up as a visitor center, like so many sites do. And you'd buy a ticket at the desk, and then you'd go and have a lovely time. Whereas, we decided to not make people go in through the shops. They didn't have to go inside, so we bought a couple of little pods, and put them outside, and there's a screen and stuff. And people would turn up with their membership card, or their tickets, and show them, and off they'd go. And I've [inaudible 00:32:15] people.Paul Griffiths:But now, I'm having to think, "We're getting deep into autumn, actually we can't stick two volunteers outside, however many hats and gloves they've got, because it's going to get wet and cold." I hadn't thought of that, in May, because I didn't think we'd still be doing this. Here we are, in autumn, and I think a lot of people were probably in the same boat, but those who opened early, particularly. Actually, we weren't thinking that far down the line.Paul Griffiths:The second part of your question, Kelly, about different audiences. We don't have a great deal of data in the park. Painshill went a bit GDPR bonkers and got rid of everything. Kelly Molson:Right.Paul Griffiths:When Chrissie came onboard, we had about 500 on our database. It's now up to about 10,000. So we're actually building a bank of supporters now, who ... it is brilliant. We've certainly, and totally seen different audiences this summer. We saw a lot more younger people, during the height of summer, particularly if lots of places were still locked down. Lots of people sunbathing, and sitting round, bringing little chairs, and reading books for the day.Paul Griffiths:Traditionally, our [inaudible 00:33:25] time, was an hour to an hour and a half, but people are now spending half a day, if not a whole day.Kelly Molson:That's great.Paul Griffiths:You'd see families turning up, with full-blown picnics. Tables, tablecloths, all sorts of ... and they're putting themself in a spot, then kids were going off and having a lovely time. It's nice, lovely to see it. The only problem with that, is our car park really struggled of course, without having the turnover. And we had a few complaints from members ... and I totally get where they were coming from, but there's not much we could do about it, where they were turning up in the afternoon, for their three o'clock dog walk, to find the car park full. So one of those things we just have to keep managing, and working on.Kelly Molson:Thank you. I want to go back a little bit, actually, because you've mentioned pre-booking, a few times. And it's definitely a topic that ... well, it's a very key topic, mixed opinions on it, I think. I, personally, think that pre-booking is a brilliant thing, and I want to know how you feel about it. Has it worked for you, do you think, and would you like to keep it?Paul Griffiths:Yeah, it's definitely worked, and yes, I'd love to keep it. It's been great, and it's been particularly great during these times because we're managing numbers. So a weekend in October, where we had 1500 people in because we were sold out. Painshill sold out, I never thought when I joined, we'd see the sign saying, "Painshill have sold out," which is lovely in itself, but it has been able to manage the numbers. It's mainly just to make sure that members aren't having a poor experience. Also, people are turning up, and one of our biggest problems is, we are very weather dependent here, and if it's wet, we tend to have a much quieter day.Paul Griffiths:So what we're finding is, if it's raining now, people are still turning up, but they're just putting on their waterproofs. Maybe under their breath, cursing their bad luck, but actually walking around with an umbrella, and getting on with it, and having a nice, romantic walk in the rain, or under an umbrella, cuddled up, whatever. But yes, I'd love to keep it, because it has meant that numbers are coming in. It's brilliant, I remember in your podcast with Carly. I think Carly used the example of Warner Brothers, owning Watford. And I was in that same boat, because when they opened ... and I can remember being in a seminar, where people were talking about it, saying it was pre-booked only. I was like, "No one's ever going to come." And of course, as we know, since it's opened, you've not been able to get a ticket for either love nor money. Kelly Molson:Yup.Paul Griffiths:What a success story, what an amazing attraction, as well. Despite running a historic landscape, I find myself always looking at those bigger attractions, as places that we could just learn so much from. The service, and just everything that these places do, I always think is so good.Kelly Molson:Yeah, I totally agree. I think that there's been a behavioral change, right? People ... they're okay to pre-book now, because it's an expectation of what they need to do, to go and visit the place that they want to go to. I just can't imagine why anyone would want to take that away, if you've already changed someone's behavior to purchase in advance. It doesn't make any sense to me. So I think that they will-Paul Griffiths:No, I agree with you completely. The only thing I think, which would take it away, is if people are upset about it, and it's a demand from the public. They want to just get that flexibility back. I can't deny, there's some times when I have really got frustrated, with the lack of flexibility for places. My little lad, Barney, desperately wants to go swimming, and yet, we just cannot get booked in to go swimming. Now, in the past, we'd have just decided, on Saturday morning, "Let's go swimming this afternoon," rocked up to one of four or five, local swimming pools, and gone and had a lovely time.Paul Griffiths:And the worst-case scenario is, they'd have said, "Oh, there's a half an hour wait, and you've got a band for a session." And you went and sat in Costa, or whatever, and had a coffee, and then cracked on when it's your time. But now, not being to make those decisions, I think is just ... it is a shame, but I think we're very different on that fact, because we're not massively limited. We do have a limit, and we have sold out a few times, but on the majority of days, there are tickets available.Kelly Molson:I think it's what you said earlier, as well, about the length of time that people are spending there. Now, actually your venue is a day trip. It's not just, "I'm going to pop there for an hour, and walk the dog." People are changing the amount of time that they're going to spend there. And then it becomes ... There's another thing about pre-booking, that makes it a little bit more special.Paul Griffiths:Yeah-Kelly Molson:Do you know what I mean? You've got to plan in advance, you're going to do it, and actually you've got that build-up of excitement, because you're going there. I think that's quite nice, as well.Paul Griffiths:I think that's why we also saw all these very, very luxurious picnics, as well, because people had planned, amongst two or three friends ... obviously, no more than six, but had planned to come and meet. We were seeing lots of people, as I was saying earlier, with tables and chairs. But one of the chairs would have a little birthday balloon on it, because obviously, people were coming to do that, rather than go to a restaurant or a pub. And that's particularly before they re-opened. And obviously, now it's just difficult, because we'd like to see our friends, in other hospitality parts of business, supported. But there is a bit of nervousness, isn't there, about people wanting to do things like that?Kelly Molson:Yeah. There is.Paul Griffiths:Every day, the news now, is full of more and more stories of where this could go. And this isn't going away, is it? As much as [inaudible 00:38:39] before.Kelly Molson:We had a question from one of our lovely, regular listeners, Richard G, on Twitter. And he wanted to know how you shared your vision, and motivated your team, to realize the vision for Painshill. And I guess part of that is, how have you kept your team motivated, during the last few months?Paul Griffiths:Gosh, they're two really good questions. I think I mentioned earlier, that we've been able to recruit quite a lot of the team, because the people that were here, when I arrived, really wanted to drive the place forward. I think a number of them wanted to change it for some years, and hadn't been able to. And my philosophy has always been about trialing stuff, "Let's give it a go." I often see that, rather than sit, and write a lengthy business case ... I'm not really a massive fan of writing big, lengthy stuff, but you could give it a go, trial it, and see if it works. You think, "Well, actually it's brilliant." Or if it doesn't work, you can quietly close it away, or never talk about it again, and pretend it didn't happen, unless something has gone disastrously wrong, of course, but I wouldn't go that fast.Paul Griffiths:So I think in terms of motivating the team, initially it was just about people wanting to take the place forward. I made it very clear that I think there was lots and lots of quick wins we could do, just to transform the place, and give it a tart up. I wouldn't say I was a yes man, in the sense, but I will try and say yes to good ideas, and say, "Well, let's give it a go," or, "Let's see how we can develop that. And let's see how we can take that forward." And certainly, getting everyone together, and onboard, and sharing things. It's so important, isn't it? That people know what you're trying to achieve, and buy into it, and you get people on board very early on.Paul Griffiths:In terms of division, of course, things like, as I've mentioned earlier, the work we did with Scott. Everyone was involved with that. The entire team were involved with that, and feeding into it, at some point. So everyone at Painshill, members of staff, lots of trustees, everyone ... We'd almost signed up in blood to ... because we'd all been part of designing that new strapline, that thing. So actually taking that forward ... and everyone knows that we've got to make Painshill, financially sustainable. It can't survive without being sustainable, and it hasn't been for some years, because the only years, when you look back, that Painshill made a profit, if you like, is where very generous donors, in the past, were writing large checks.Paul Griffiths:And those people aren't always around, and there's more of a demand. So we've got to make our operations side financially sustainable, so that if we're getting visitors in through the door, we'll generate enough money to pay the staff, and cover the costs, and stuff. So I think it was a stark motivation, in the sense that we have to make this place work, and let's really try and have some fun while we're doing it, as well. We work in an industry, which is making great memories for people, and giving people great days out. You want people to be leaving going, "What an amazing place." And there was a lot of quick wins. Signage needed changing. There was no guidebook. There was nothing for people to buy, and take away, and learn about. Kelly Molson:Right.Paul Griffiths:The tearoom was quite bland ... is the right word, so we've now to create a bit of a sense of place. We've put some quotes up, on the tearoom wall, from where Painshill's featured in either literature, or people's comments. So two presidents in the United States have visited Painshill, and Adams gave a great quote, about it being the best piece of art seen. And so, we've got that up there, and Painshill features in War of The Worlds, and so we've got a quote up from there. There was a wonderful piece, in a newspaper, about how Queen Victoria used to like to come and promenade here, with Prince Albert.Kelly Molson:Nice.Paul Griffiths:So we've got [crosstalk 00:42:21] there. So actually, it creates a bit of a sense of where we are, and that we've arrived. And in terms of motivation, I think people have motivated themselves, and I think there's been a real ... there was a desire to make sure we got through this. And since reopening, this has been, this outpouring of people, and love [inaudible 00:42:40], I think has driven the team on. I think there has been a lot of exhausted people, and I think you're seeing that across our whole industry, aren't you? Because there's a lot of people, who have worked very hard, without much of a break, since March. I certainly saw it on the face of some of my team, who've been working all the way through the six or seven months, not being on furlough. And I'm not saying being on furlough was easy, from any stretch of the imagination, because I don't think it was, because most people actually wanted to do stuff, and wanted to help.Paul Griffiths:A bit like when you had Rachel and Carlton on, the other day, and Rachel was saying, on the podcast, she wanted to be doing stuff, and couldn't. And I think that was the same for my team. They wanted to volunteer, they wanted to help. Lucy, who looks after our volunteers, wanted to keep doing the volunteers [inaudible 00:43:23]. Of course, we couldn't let her, because she couldn't be doing work for Painshill. Whilst I understood why the regulations came in, I think it affected charities in a way, because they couldn't let people just still help, and keep everything afloat.Paul Griffiths:So yeah, I think it's been an interesting time, and it's been hard work for everyone in our industry. But I think what's pulled it through, has been the fact that everyone's worked so closely together. I think the fact that organizations, like ALVA and the amazing work Bernard's done, through the last ... Well forever, but for particularly [inaudible 00:43:57]. Letting people enjoy webinars, or getting those daily updates, when you're not a fee paying member of ALVA, because you're not a big enough attraction. But actually, the realization that everyone's in it together, I think has just been amazing. And I'm just so grateful for what everyone's done, during this time.Kelly Molson:Yeah, it's been lovely. I think that's been one of the most wonderful things to come out of this. Paul Griffiths:Yeah.Kelly Molson:We're coming towards the end of the podcast, Paul, but I've got two more questions for you. You know we always end up on a book recommendation, but before we get to that, I want to know what's next. So we're in the run-up now, to Christmas. Paul Griffiths:Yes.Kelly Molson:What have you been able to plan, for Christmas, because I'm guessing, it's not what you were expecting to be planning.Paul Griffiths:What we do at Christmas, is we have what we call a Santa Snow train, a land train basically. So if you think of one of the things that potters up and down the seafront, during the summer, with a pretend train at the front, and a few carriages. And the train would chug round the landscape, and delivers kids to the crystal grotto. And then the kids would wait in a tent, with the elves, and they'd play games and stuff. And then the elf would invite them in to meet Santa Claus in the grotto, so you're seeing Santa in a grotto, which is perfect, of course, in many ways. And then you pass them back. We run it during the day, and into the evening.Paul Griffiths:Of course, when it run into the evening, we needed lighting and stuff like that. So there was a lot of outlay of costs, and a lot of concern. And also, we were really struggling to make the train social distance-able. Our booking system wouldn't quite allow it, and couldn't be made to allow it, without us parting with a large amount of cash, which of course, was just adding more onto the risk. So a couple of weeks ago, we made a quite emotional team. We know it works, because some people have spent since last Christmas planning it, and getting everything in place. So actually to have to make the decision to cull it, was really, really hard work. But we made that call, that we would pull the whole event, and really just try and see what we can start again.Paul Griffiths:Now, we've worked with a company, who are relatively local to us, by sheer chance. We got in touch with them ... well, I found them on the internet, and then only discovered, after talking to them, they were not even a couple of miles away. It's one of these, who do large models, so we've used them for the dragons that we're having in half-term, and we've also had some dragons before. So they are doing, what we're calling the Snowfari trail around the grounds. And this is just literally, people will walk round the grounds, in their own little bubble. So no train, no grotto, no tent to wait in. Because obviously, the other thing to it, if we have kids waiting in the tent, we've got to entertain them.Paul Griffiths:Now, last year, myself and a number of other parents, as it were, brought in out of ... not out of date, toys that their kids had stopped using. So Barney's old train set, was merrily set up for playing. And kids were loving it, because they'd come in play around a bit, and off they'd go. But of course, we couldn't let kids do that. They can't be handling toys, that other kids have just handled. So we've got the Snowfari coming, which is going to be a really ... Well, I hope and I know, cracking walk around the grounds, looking at penguins, and polar bears, and looking for reindeer, and there's some gingerbread men in a big tree.Paul Griffiths:And then we're doing a sort of tea with Santa. And this will be quite a limited capacity, but we are doing some form Santa event. And that's just used in decking up one of our ... a function conferencing room, but in a nice, Santary way, and kids and families will come in, sitting in tables and then we'll ... socially distance obviously, have a cup of tea. It's not like an afternoon tea, but tea and a slice of cake, or a mince pie. And then Santa will come in, tell a little story, and then you go up individually, to meet him. So at least there is a, Santa is not, not coming to Painshill.Paul Griffiths:The main thing will be the trail, I'm going to try and push that, so people can walk outside, wrap up warm, and just enjoy the landscape, with multiples of animals, all over the place.Kelly Molson:Yeah, I think that sounds really fun. I think that there's some Instagram-able moments there, Paul, isn't there? For sharing on social media, for sure.Paul Griffiths:Yeah, I'm sure there is. I'm sure people can have a lovely time with Instagram.Kelly Molson:We'll convert you, eventually. Thank you for sharing all of that. Last question, which we ask all of our guests, which is, do you have a book, that you recommend, that has helped shape your career in some way, or you just would like to recommend to our listeners?Paul Griffiths:Oh, gosh. Yeah, I thought a bit about this, actually, and I was trying to think of a book. I'm just trying to think of one about work. But then I noticed ... I was going to pick one by one of your former guests, actually, which was Creating Magic, by Lee Cockerell. I, back in my Mary Rose days, we had a team away day, and I bought everybody a copy of this, before ... so none of them can apply to get the book off you, Kelly. I made everyone read it, before we then had a session, because what was in there, was so many good points about ... all around trying to take away problems from visitors. And I was so impressed with that. And that's why I've always been ... I mentioned earlier, looking at the larger attractions, or companies, or how they manage to do stuff, and think, "Well, how could we do that, to make things easy?"Paul Griffiths:I was so impressed with the story, that Lee told in one of his podcasts when they started taking the luggage from people. So actually, wave goodbye to your suitcase, at Heathrow now, and you next see it in your hotel room, in Orlando. So I just noticed it, and that's a really, really good book.Kelly Molson:Great. That's a really good book recommendation, and I'm sure that when Lee listens to this episode ... because if he isn't a subscriber, he absolutely should be-Paul Griffiths:Definitely, yeah.Kelly Molson:... He'll be delighted, that you've recommended that. So thank you. As ever, if you would like to win a copy of that book, then if you head over to our Twitter account, which is Skip_the_Queue, and you retweet this episode announcement, with the comment, "I want Paul's book." And you will be in with a chance of winning it.Kelly Molson:Paul, thank you. I've loved having you on the podcast today. I think it's been a brilliant episode. I'd really like to say a big thank you for how ... again, everyone that comes on, is superb, but people are so honest, and so open, and so happy to share their experiences, so thank you for doing that today.Paul Griffiths:No, thank you for having me. It's been great.Kelly Molson:Thanks for listening to Skip The Queue. If you've enjoyed this podcast, please leave us a five-star review, it really helps others find us. And remember to follow us on Twitter for your chance to win the books that have been mentioned. Skip The Queue, is brought to you by Rubber Cheese, a digital agency, that builds remarkable systems and websites for attractions that helps them increase their visitor numbers. You can find show notes and transcriptions from this episode and more over on our website, rubbercheese.com/podcast.

Activity Quest is the weekly podcast from Fun Kids packed with things to get you out and about this summer. It replaces our daily lockdown show, Stuck at Home. In this episode: Dan's off to Cutty Sark in Greenwich, London to find out all about the famous ship and its history. Sean and George tell us about newly re-opened places across the UK, including the World of Beatrix Potter, Hever Castle and Gardens and Tate galleries, where you can see some pop-art. Bex chats to the founder of the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit, all about its iconic biomes, whether it's a good place to spend some time this summer, and how you can save the world. Anna-Louise takes us back to the Mini Motley Farm for some very special breaking news – there are chicks hatching!  Tell us what you're up to at FunKidsLive.com/ActivityQuest and we might use what you send us in a future episode.  Opening times and prices correct as of recording. Check before you travel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this special Tudor Travel Show: Extra, Sarah welcomes back an old friend of the show, Owen Emmerson, House manager at Hever Castle. Owen is currently researching a new book on the social history of the castle and in this episode, we take a stroll through Hever's timeline, from the Tudors to the twentieth century, to hear tales of passion, intrigue and murder!   If you want to watch a tour of Hever Castle from 2019, with Owen Emmerson as our guide, then follow this link.to the Tudor Travel Guide's YouTube channel.   If you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.   You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.   Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris  

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Dr Owen Emmerson about The Boleyns and Hever Castle Follow Dr Emmerson on Twitter. Find out more about your host at On the Tudor Trail.  Join our Talking Tudors Podcast Facebook group for all the behind-the-scenes news and updates. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful patrons! If you love Talking Tudors and would like to show your appreciation, and support the work I do, I invite you to become a part of the Talking Tudors family and become my patron! Music break by singer/songwriter Karliene. 

Het koninkrijk der Nederlanden is opgericht in 1648, maar de titels ‘koning' en ‘koningin' bestaat pas sinds 1806. Koning Willem-Alexander (Willie in de volksmond) is ons officiële staatshoofd. Annemiek roept de supermarktketen met het blauwe logo Albert Heijn op om – niet alleen in de ‘Doe maar lekker duurzaam'-actie – de vegetarische variant van Unox rookworst te verkopen. Benno heeft problemen met bepaald gedrag aangaande urinoirs. Henry VIII was koning van Engeland in de zestiende eeuw. Hij versleet zes vrouwen: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Annemiek verslond de boeken van Philippa Gregory en Hilary Mantel en leidt je graag rond in Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace en The Tower of London. Momenteel draait Six the musicalop West End. Wij willen die voorstelling allebei heel graag zien! Een persreis is welkom. 

Het koninkrijk der Nederlanden is opgericht in 1648, maar de titels ‘koning' en ‘koningin' bestaat pas sinds 1806. Koning Willem-Alexander (Willie in de volksmond) is ons officiële staatshoofd. Annemiek roept de supermarktketen met het blauwe logo Albert Heijn op om – niet alleen in de ‘Doe maar lekker duurzaam'-actie – de vegetarische variant van Unox rookworst te verkopen. Benno heeft problemen met bepaald gedrag aangaande urinoirs. Henry VIII was koning van Engeland in de zestiende eeuw. Hij versleet zes vrouwen: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. Annemiek verslond de boeken van Philippa Gregory en Hilary Mantel en leidt je graag rond in Hever Castle, Hampton Court Palace en The Tower of London. Momenteel draait Six the musicalop West End. Wij willen die voorstelling allebei heel graag zien! Een persreis is welkom. 

This week 9th - 15th March:

On this day in Tudor history, 12th March 1537, Cistercian monk William Haydock of Whalley Abbey, Lancashire, was hanged for treason at Whalley.Haydock's abbey had been implicated in the 1536 Pilgrimage of Grace Rebellion, so Henry VIII wanted the abbey punished. Find out more about Whalley Abbey's part in the rebellion, how Haydock and several other monks were punished, and what exactly happened to William Haydock's remains, in today's talk from Claire Ridgway, founder of the Tudor Society.You can see this podcast as a video at the following link:https://youtu.be/evs7ZvC2OoEAlso on this day in Tudor history, 12th March 1539, Thomas Boleyn, father of Queen Anne Boleyn died at Hever Castle in Kent. Here's a link to last year’s video to find out more about Thomas’s death, resting place, and also what happened to him after the executions of his children, Anne and George, in May 1536 - https://youtu.be/KhiuvNMUiyY

It's the most wonderful time of the year! ♫ Happy holidays from us here at YMAAP, we hope you all enjoy this special holiday themed episode. Braydon begins the episode by chatting about the legend of the half-goat half-demon entity known as Krampus, and the legend/origins surrounding him. The odd demonic entity has been depicted striding alongside Saint Nicholas for hundreds upon hundreds of years. While Saint Nick gives out presents to the good little children of the world, Krampus punishes and hurts those who have been naughty.Belinda then goes on to chat about the Christmas tradition of telling ghosts stories, and regales us us with some spooky holiday ghost stories. She discusses the tale of the notorious highwayman of Marden Kent, Hever Castle's floating widow, and Suffolk's Roos Hall headless carriage driver! Each of these occurrences has the similarity that they are rarely if ever seen outside of the holiday season!If you wanted to follow us on social media, we can be found on: Facebook, and on Instagram You, Me, and a Poltergeist, Braydon, BelindaCHECK OUT ALL THE OTHER PODCAST ON TNC: THATSNOTCANON.COM

In December’s festive episode, The Tudor Travel Show returns to Hever Castle in Kent, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Sarah talks once more with Owen Emmerson, House Manager at Hever, about Tudor Christmas traditions and how the Boleyns would have enjoyed Christmastime at home. We also hear about the very special Christmas of 1526, when Anne makes a momentous decision. If you wish to see a video version of this chat, you can do so via YouTube, here. There is also a blog to accompany this part of the podcast, where you can view pictures of some of the rooms and items under discussion. Click here to access it.   In the second half of the podcast, Sarah catches up with Eleri Lynn, Curator of the Royal Ceremonial Dress Collection at Historic Royal Palaces. Enjoy the fascinating story of the discovery of the Bacton Altar Cloth and why it has been attributed as 'The Lost Dress of Elizabeth I'. Also, hear about the latest research revealing how a piece of Elizabeth's dress came to belong to a small parish church in Herefordshire.     Here are the links to Amazon (US and UK0 for those wishing to buy a copy of Le Temps Viendra: a Novel fo Anne Boleyn, mentioned at the beginning of the episode:   LTV Volume I Paperback US  LTV Volume I Kindle US LTV Volume I Paperback UK LTV Volume I Kindle UK   Finally, The Tudor Travel Guide news desk returns with all the latest December news from the sixteenth century. This time, we travel in time to a very stormy Kentish coastline to hear all about the arrival of Anne of Cleves, Henry VIII's intended bride-to-be.    If you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.   You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.   Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris   Music by Jon Sayles and Waytes and Measures. 'Trusted News': Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Produced by Cutting Crew Productions Newsreader: Chris Rew and Reporter: Sarah Morris

Halloween is, of course, the season for ghost stories and tales of spine-tingling encounters with the unknown. In this special edition of Talking Tudors, Natalie Grueninger begins by recounting a strange experience which she had during a holiday in Dover. She then chats to author Sandra Vasoli about something eerie that happened to her during a three-night stay at Thornbury Castle. Natalie also speaks with Adrienne Dillard about how an evening of fun and frivolity with family and friends at Hever Castle, ended with something very strange caught on camera.  Visit Sandra Vasoli's official website.  Visit Adrienne Dillard's official website. Find out more about your host at On the Tudor Trail. Join our Talking Tudors Podcast Facebook group for all the behind-the-scenes news and updates. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful patrons! If you love Talking Tudors and would like to show your appreciation, and support the work I do, I invite you to become a part of the Talking Tudors family and become my patron! Music breaks courtesy of guitarist Jon Sayles.

Episode 8 Ghost Stories Part 1The Life & Afterlife of Anne BoleynIn this Halloween inspired mini episode Charlotte Appleyard tells the story of Anne Boleyn, the second wife of King Henry VIII; her rise, fall, execution and the many ghostly sightings of her since that fateful day in 1536.Follow us on Social media!Instagram @themuseumoffemininityTwitter @Museum_Of_Fem SourcesHistoric Royal Palaces websitehauntedrooms.co.uk

In September's episode, The Tudor Travel Show travels to Hever Castle, in Kent. Sarah goes on a tour of the house with House Manager, Owen Emmerson, recreating the Tudor castle as it would have been in the sixteenth century when it was home to Anne Boleyn. If you wish to read a transcript of this podcast, which includes many pictures of the rooms, features and artefacts discussed in the show, you can access it here.   In the second half of the podcast, Sarah travels to Bradgate Park in Leicestershire, once the childhood home of Lady Jane Grey. She is in discussion with Richard Thomas, Professor of Archaeology and co-director of the Bradgate Park Field School, about the 5-year project to learn more about the site. Tune in to hear about how the current ruins at Bradgate hide the real truth about the original Tudor manor house.   Finally,  The Tudor Travel Guide news desk returns, with all the latest September news from the sixteenth century. This time we travel to Sudeley Castle, in 1548, to hear an eyewitness account of the tragic demise of Katherine Parr following the birth of her first child.    If you want to keep up to date with all the Tudor Travel Guide's adventures, as well as top tips for planning your own Tudor road trip, don't forget to subscribe to the blog via www.thetudortravelguide.com.   This podcast now has an accompanying closed Facebook group, dedicated to discussing the places and artefacts discussed in each episode. it is also a place to ask your fellow Tudor time travellers questions about visiting Tudor locations or planning your Tudor-themed vacation or sharing your top tips to help others get the most out of their Tudor adventures on the road. Go to The Tudor Travel Show: Hitting the Road to join the community.   You can also find The Tudor Travel Guide on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.   Credits: Presenter: Sarah Morris   Music by Jon Sayles 'Trusted News': Royalty free music from https://www.fesliyanstudios.com Produced by Cutting Crew Productions Newsreader: Chris Rew and Lady Trywhitt: Sarah Morris  

This episode of Past Matters if for fans of the Tudors, Anne Boleyn and anyone who has ever wanted to learn more about tapestries, royal signifiers of power and historical fashion. Or those who enjoy looking for the comic scenes hidden in art. Download to hear Alison Palmer, Conservation and Engagement Assistant, at Hever Castle talk about three very beautiful and entertaining tapestries that are currently hanging at the former seat of the Boleyn family. You can view pictures of the tapestries on PloyRadford.com or via Past Matters' social media channels.

One of the most famous prisoners of the Tower of London was Anne Boleyn – a Queen! Henry VIII married Anne Boleyn, his second wife, in January 1533. In advance of Anne’s coronation, they stayed at the Tower of London where the royal apartments had been refurbished and other lodgings rebuilt or erected for the joyous occasion. Anne proved unable to provide Henry with the son he so desperately sought and by the end of 1535 he was anxious to marry again.  On 2nd May 1536 Anne was arrested at Greenwich. She was accused of adultery with four men and incest with her own brother George Boleyn, Viscount Rochford. In committing these crimes she was also accused of plotting the King’s death and indirectly damaging his health when news of her adultery was made known to him.  Anne was tried in the Lieutenant’s lodgings on the site of today’s Queen’s House. Her judge was her own uncle, Thomas Howard, Duke of Norfolk.   Anne always denied the charges against her and the evidence was circumstantial to say the least! Nonetheless, guilty verdicts were passed. Her brother and the other four men were executed on Tower Hill on 17th May. Anne’s behaviour in her lodging became increasingly hysterical as she saw all hope fade. Letters sent by the Constable of the Tower, Sir William Kingston, to Henry’s chief minister Thomas Cromwell, record that she would kneel down and weep, and in the “same sorrow” fall into a great laughing.   By the day of her execution, 19th May 1536, Anne had regained her composure.  A letter from Kingston describes how he found the Queen that morning: “I heard say the executioner was very good, and I have a little neck”, then she put her hands about it, laughing heartily.  I have seen many men and also women executed, and that they have been in great sorrow, and to my knowledge this lady hath much joy in death”. On the scaffold Anne accepted her fate with equanimity “I come hither to accuse no man, not to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the King and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good a sovereign lord” The Queen granted a special dispensation to be beheaded with a sword, an expert French executioner had been brought in, who carried out his task quickly and effectively. The prayer book taken with her to the scaffold survives at Hever Castle.  In it, Anne wrote “Remember me when you do pray, that hope doth lead from day to day”.  The Queen was buried in the Chapel royal of St Peter ad Vincula, close to the scaffold site on Tower Green. Locked Up In The Tower is supported by Historic Royal Palaces

Today on the show, I'm talking about proposals to make civil partnerships available to opposite-sex couples, and the financial advantages this would bring. There's also a roundup of the latest personal finance news, and a cautionary tale in the aftershow; don't drink the water from the lake at Hever Castle! Millions of unmarried couples could be better off financially following new government proposals. The proposals are designed to extend civil partnerships to opposite-sex couples, resulting in these individuals becoming entitled to a range of financial wins.

Natalie Grueninger speaks with Owen Emmerson about Hever Castle, childhood home of Anne Boleyn. Follow Owen on Twitter. Find out more about your host at On the Tudor Trail. Join our Talking Tudors Podcast Facebook group for all the behind-the-scenes news and updates. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all my wonderful patrons! If you love Talking Tudors and would like to show your appreciation, and support the work I do, I invite you to become a part of the Talking Tudors family and become my patron! Music break by singer/songwriter Karliene.

  this time new episode by feb26th         A STORY OF THREE ROYAL BEHEADINGShttp: Charles I (19 November 1600 – 30 January 1649[a]) was monarch of the three kingdoms of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. Charles was the second son of King James VI of Scotland, but after his father inherited the English throne in 1603, he moved to England, where he spent much of the rest of his life. He became heir apparent to the English, Irish and Scottish thrones on the death of his elder brother in 1612. An unsuccessful and unpopular attempt to marry him to a Spanish Habsburg princess culminated in an eight-month visit to Spain in 1623 that demonstrated the futility of the marriage negotiations. Two years later he married the Bourbon princess Henrietta Maria of France instead.           Charles was reserved (he had a residual stammer), self-righteous and had a high concept of royal authority, believing in the divine right of kings. He was a good linguist and a sensitive man of refined tastes. He spent a lot on the arts, inviting the artists Van Dyck and Rubens to work in England, and buying agreat collection of paintings by Raphael and Titian (this collection was later dispersed under Cromwell)   .This picture was commisioned by Charles   Finally, on 22 August 1642 at Nottingham, Charles raised the Royal Standard calling for loyal subjects to support him (Oxford was to be the King's capital during the war). The Civil War, what Sir William Waller (a Parliamentary general and moderate) called 'this war without an enemy', had begun. The Battle of Edgehill in October 1642 showed that early on the fighting was even. Broadly speaking, Charles retained the north, west and south-west of the country, and Parliament had London, East Anglia and the south-east, although there were pockets of resistance everywhere, ranging from solitary garrisons to whole cities.     On 20 January, Charles was charged with high treason 'against the realm of England'. Charles refused to plead, saying that he did not recognise the legality of the High Court (it had been established by a Commons purged of dissent, and without the House of Lords - nor had the Commons ever acted as a judicature). The King was sentenced to death on 27 January. Three days later, Charles was beheaded on a scaffold outside the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London. The King asked for warm clothing before his execution: 'the season is so sharp as probably may make me shake, which some observers may imagine proceeds from fear   Horrible Histories: Slimy Stuarts: HHTV News: King Charles I's Execution www.youtube.com/watch?v Horrible Histories: English Civil War with Bob Hale =ZnbZE52wCRY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZnbZE52wCRY http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FyQnEDt7eA       Anne Boleyn From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Jump to: navigation, search For other people named Anne Boleyn, see Anne Boleyn (disambiguation). Anne Boleyn Later copy of an original portrait, which was painted c.1534. Queen consort of England Reign 28 May 1533 – 17 May 1536 Coronation 1 June 1533   Spouse Henry VIII of England among others... Issue Elizabeth I of England House House of Tudor (by marriage) Father Thomas Boleyn, 1st Earl of Wiltshire Mother Lady Elizabeth Howard Born c. 1501/07[1] Blickling Hall, Norfolk or Hever Castle, Kent Died 19 May 1536 (aged 28–35) Tower of London, London Signature Religion Anglican, formerly Roman Catholic[2] Anne Boleyn (/ˈbʊlɪn/, /bəˈlɪn/ or /bʊˈlɪn/)[3][4] (c. 1501[1] – 19 May 1536) was Queen of England from 1533 to 1536 as the second wife of King Henry VIII and Marquess of Pembroke in her own right   On her return to England in 1522, Anne was appointed as lady-in-waiting to Henry VIII's wife Catherine of Aragon. Anne's striking looks and sophisticated manners earned her many admirers at court Before pursuing Anne, Henry VIII had already had an affair with her sister, Mary. Henry showered Anne and her family with titles and gifts. Anne's ambitious father was created Earl of Wiltshire and her brother, Lord George Rochford Tragedy of Anne Boleyn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqNTi_HNwnE Horrible Histories - it's your reign with Henry VIII HORRIBLE HISTORIES - The Wives of Henry VIII (Terrible Tudors) Horrible Histories - the execution of Anne Boleyn       Marie Antoinette Maria Antonia of Austria was born on November 2, 1755 at the Hofburg Palace in Vienna, Austria; on the next day, she was baptised Maria Antonia Josepha Johanna          A child of only 14 years, delicately beautiful with gray-blue eyes and ash-blonde hair, in May 1770, Marie Antoinette set out for France to be married, escorted by 57 carriages, 117 footmen and 376 horses.   On July 14, 1789, 900 French workers and peasants stormed the Bastille Prison to take arms and ammunition, marking the beginning of the French Revolution. On October 6 of that year, a crowd of 10,000 gathered outside the Palace at Versailles and demanded that the king and queen be brought to Paris. At the Tuileries Palace in Paris, the always indecisive Louis XVI acted almost paralyzed, and Marie Antoinette immediately stepped into his place, meeting with advisors and ambassadors and dispatching urgent letters to other European rulers, begging them to help save France's monarchy. In January 1793, the radical new republic placed King Louis XVI on trial, convicted him of treason and condemned him to death. On January 21, 1793, he was dragged to the guillotine and executed. In October of that year, a month into the infamous and bloody Reign of Terror that claimed tens of thousands of French lives, Marie Antoinette was put on trial for treason and theft, Contents Synopsis Early Life Marriage to Louis Auguste Queen of France Death and Legacy as well as a false and disturbing charge of sexual abuse against her own son. After the two-day trial, an all-male jury found Marie Antoinette guilty on all charges. Thusly, like her husband had been several months before, Marie Antoinette was sent to the guillotine on October 16, 1793. On the night before her execution, she had written her last letter to her sister-in-law, Elisabeth. "I am calm," the queen wrote, "as people are whose conscience is clear french revolution video Horrible Histories     Lady Jane Grey   Lady Jane Grey (1536/1537 – 12 February 1554), also known as Lady Jane Dudley[3] or The Nine Days' Queen,[4] was an English noblewoman and de facto monarch of England from 10 July until 19 July 1553. The great-granddaughter of Henry VII through his younger daughter Mary, Jane was a first cousin once removed of Edward VI. In May 1553, she was married to Lord Guildford Dudley, a younger son of Edward's chief minister, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland. When the 15-year-old King lay dying in June 1553, he nominated Jane as successor to the Crown in his will, thus subverting the claims of his half-sisters Mary and Elizabeth         short 2 min video horrible histories Horrible Histories Horrible Histories:Lady Jane Grey is queen for nine days. The invention of the English mile

Day trips and short breaks, concerts to country homes, you'll discover there's a destination for everyone onboard one of our luxury coaches. Our reporter Adam Lindsay joined a trip to Hever Castle to find out just what's on offer.

Inspiration for spring with co-owner of nursery Secret Seeds, John Langston, giving tips on successful seed sowing. Then we talk to the head gardener at Hever Castle in Sussex to find out more about the garden's connection with the recent release of the film The Other Boleyn Girl.