History Symposium The Derby Women 3 July and The Men Who Lost America 4 July
July 4
The Countess of Derby has launched an innovative History programme that aims to inspire, entertain, and educate by bringing to life 600 years of British history through the fascinating stories of the Derby family and their ancestral home, Knowsley Hall. This programme will offer a fresh perspective on British history, showcasing the pivotal role the Derby family has played in shaping political, cultural, and artistic life across the centuries. Discover captivating narratives from leading historians, writers, and art historians.
The Knowsley Hall Symposium in 2025 will consist of four study days, curated and hosted by the Countess of Derby, focusing on the family’s history, bringing together academics and writers starting with the role of Derby women in the House of Stanley (3 July) and an insight into the key figures in the Men Who Lost America on the day of the signing of Declaration of Independence (4 July). In October there will be a reflection on The Life and Legacy of the 13th Earl of Derby (15 October) and The Life and Legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby (16 October).
Many Stanley women had to run the estates when their husbands were away on political or court business, and alongside their preoccupation with the future of the dynasty, for many the creation of a great house became their life’s work. Without a great house at its centre, land had little function in the display of wealth, position and power. You will hear from leading historians the incredible stories of five of the Derby women.
Speakers
- Lady Derby
- Dr Elizabeth Norton
- Dr Vanessa Wilkie
- Dr Anna Keay OBE
- Emma Donoghue
- Dr Jennifer Davey
This will focus on three of the key men who lost America. You will hear more about George Sackville Germain, General John Burgoyne, General Charles Cornwallis and learn about their stories and their families.
Speakers
- Lady Derby
- Professor Jeremy Black
- Professor Andrew O’Shaughnessy
- Professor Norman Poser
You can choose to attend either of the study days or both.
Tickets are priced at £75 per day.
A Study Day ticket includes:
- All speaker sessions for one day
- Tea and coffee
- A light sandwich lunch
- Parking
To discover more click to download the full event programme:
There is an exclusive opportunity to stay at Knowsley Hall the night before each Study Day, you will join the Countess of Derby and the speakers for dinner in the State Dining Room. This gives you an unforgettable way to experience the Hall before your Study Day.
Experience an overnight stay for £350 (single occupancy) or £425 (double occupancy), with each stay inclusive of:
- Welcome drink before dinner
- Three course dinner in the State Dining Room
- Accommodation for the night before you attend the history day with continental breakfast
- Your ticket(s) for the History Study Day the following day
Early booking of accommodation is advised as there are only a limited number of bedrooms available.
If you are attending The Derby Women and want to stay at Knowsley Hall, please book your accommodation for 2nd July this will include your ticket for the Study Day on 3rd July. If you wish to attend The Men Who Lost America and stay please book your accommodation for the night of the 3rd July and this will include your ticket for the Study Day on 4th July.
October History Study Days 15th and 16th October
Tickets will be on sale soon for the October Study Days, details of the full programme for each day is available to download below.
The Life and Legacy of the 13th Earl of Derby 15th October
The Life and Legacy of the 14th Earl of Derby 16th October
- Knowsley Hall, Prescot, Merseyside
- L34 4AG
- 0151 489 4827
- events@knowsley.com
