The Mitford Sisters: Lives in Contrast

Like many families, the Mitfords emerged from the Second World War bearing scars. Yet as the world entered a new, uncertain era, the sisters' knack for making headlines showed no sign of abating. Released from prison, Diana remained loyal to fascism. In America, Jessica became the target of McCarthyism, and later joined the burgeoning Civil Rights movement. Nancy enjoyed literary success in France, while Pam relished the gentle rhythms of country life, and Deborah unexpectedly became Duchess of Devonshire. In this second of two episodes, biographer Mary S Lovell joins Danny Bird to unpack the personal and political divisions that shaped the sisters' postwar lives, revealing how this eccentric aristocratic family continued to reflect and challenge the evolving social landscape and rub shoulders with some of the era’s most famous people.

The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.

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