Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast

Robert Harris is the author of thirteen bestselling novels including the Cicero Trilogy, The Ghost, An Officer and a Spy, Conclave, Munich and The Second Sleep. He lives near to Highclere Castle with his wife, Gill Hornby. This podcast is the soundtrack to a video interview with Robert recorded in the castle ahead of Lady Carnarvon's charity weekend 'History at Highclere'. He joins her to discuss his latest novel 'V2'. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Flight Lieutenant Colin Bell DFC AE FRICS RAF (retired) served in WW2 as a Mosquito Bomber Pilot. Celebrating his 100th Birthday next March, he talks all about his experiences as a pilot in WW2.  His flying training was carried out in 1941 in the United States and he stayed there serving as a flying instructor until 1943.  On his return to the United Kingdom in 1943 he converted to twin engine Mosquito Bombers and joined 608 Squadron (Pathfinder Group) based at Downham Market in Norfolk.  During his operational tours he carried out 50 bombing raids over Germany, 13 of them over Berlin.  He experienced much action and survived many close scrapes. This inspirational talk takes place in the Smoking Room at Highclere Castle, and was recorded for video as well as podcast as part of the History at Highclere weekend. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

The son of a Battle of Britain Pilot, Air Commodore Rick Peacock-Edwards CBE, AFC would say he has always been involved in aviation. A pilot for the RAF for 35 years, he has gained over 7000 hours flying fighter aircrafts including the Lightning, Phantom and Tornado. His latest book, ‘Rate of Climb’ is an inspiring insight into his career with the RAF. Rick's fun-loving approach to life is evident throughout his book as well as his conversation with Lady Carnarvon in the Smoking Room at Highclere Castle. This podcast was recorded on the eve of the 'History at Highclere' event. For more wonderful stories, be sure to buy Rick's book: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rate-Climb.../dp/1911621467You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

This week's episode is named after the radio call sign of the British Airways supersonic airliner Concorde. It was 17 years ago this week that the last commercial Concorde flights landed at London's Heathrow airport. The supersonic passenger age had ended, and it's yet to restart. Lady Carnarvon lives in a place of extraordinary history so it seems apt that she should host not one but three former Concorde pilots to reflect on this incredible and historic aircraft. An aircraft far ahead of its time. It's a discussion that takes place in the Music Room at Highclere Castle. Find out more:  Steve Bohill-Smith features in Episode 5, and you can hear about the Red Arrows in Episode 13. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Lady Carnarvon's guest this week is Sally Popplewell who is responsible for the wonderful gift shop at Highclere Castle. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

In episode 6 of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast (The Highclere Castle Shoot) she spoke to Eddie Hughes the recently retired head keeper. Eddie had worked on the estate for many decades and gave a fascinating insight into days gone by. This week we meet Ben Waite who has taken-over. It's not been an easy start for Ben, within a month of him beginning his new job the pandemic hit and the UK went in lockdown. But several months later with visitors enjoying afternoon tea quietly in the background Ben sits down with Lady Carnarvon to discuss their mutual love for the wonderful countryside around the 'real' Downton Abbey. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

It's ten years since Downton Abbey first aired on TV and to celebrate Lady Carnarvon welcomes back to Downton Abbey location manager Mark Ellis. 'Sparky' as he's known has been part of the production since day one and along with Lady Carnarvon and Highclere Castle manager John Gundill he's ensured the 'real' Downton Abbey has stayed in one piece during the rigours of filming. The big question is will 'sparky' be returning sooner rather than later for a new Downton Abbey film? Rumours abound as these three friends and occasional colleagues sit down to look back on an incredible decade that has made the 'real' Downton Abbey one of the most famous houses in the world. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Whilst the beauty and majesty of the 'real' Downton Abbey grabs the spotlight there is of course much more to the place Lord and Lady Carnarvon call home. Highclere Castle is situated within an estate of almost 5000 acres made up of mixed woodland and agricultural land. Looking after the crops and the animals that surround the castle is Highclere Estate Farm Manager Simon Andrews.  You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

They say being in the right place at the right time is a key to success. That was certainly the case for James Hunter who found himself having a casual conversation with Lady Carnarvon whilst working as part of the catering team at Highclere. James had the initiative to ask for work experience and the rest as they say is history. Having just graduated he's now started a permanent role as an assistant land agent helping to run the estate alongside Lady Carnarvon. You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.

Mike Withers has been beekeeping for more than 60 years and when he hasn't been tending his hives he's been helping his wife Pat with the painting and decorating at Highclere Castle. You can hear Pat's story in episode 4 of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcast series - but this week it's Mike's turn to talk about his lifelong fascination with bees. The Hampshire honey they produce is sold in the Castle shop, and it really is superb.You can hear more episodes of Lady Carnarvon's Official Podcasts at https://www.ladycarnarvon.com/podcast/New episodes are published on the first day of every month.