In November, ESU Seattle Branch members Fred Kleinschmidt and Loveday Conquest enjoyed a National Patrons’ Weekend at Knowsley Hall, a stately home in Merseyside, northwest England. Loveday reports on this extraordinary adventure.
Knowsley (knowsleyhall.co.uk) is the home of Edward Stanley and Caroline Neville Stanley, 19th Earl and Countess of Derby. (Edward’s grandfather gave the now famous Stanley Cup to Canada when the 16th Earl was its Governor-General.) Sixteen of us arrived a week before Thanksgiving to be greeted by friendly staff, who immediately carried our luggage up a truly grand staircase into elegantly appointed rooms.
The rooms had our names on the doors, including the doors to our private bathrooms. (Gin and chocolates were provided in case one was feeling a little peckish.)
A champagne reception preceded the first night’s formal dinner with the Stanleys. The following day several of us took a tour of Liverpool, where the Beatles have left a big mark on local arts and culture, including major funding.
Others hopped into Land Rovers for a tour of Knowsley’s extensive Safari Park, with exotic animals only too happy to run up to vehicles or simply jump on them (think baboons).
We enjoyed another reception at nearby Knowsley New House, where Lord and Lady Derby actually reside, and viewed more works of art, family treasures, and photos with members of the Royal Family. Lady Derby apologized for the slightly messy state of Lord Derby’s office, which she is forbidden to organize and which looks just like the office of a busy man who manages a large estate with a grand “hotel,” stud farm, and large safari park.
On Saturday, we were taken to the Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot (on a street named Prospero Place), one of the trio of England’s Shakespeare theaters (the other two being the Globe and the Royal Shakespeare Company). Lord Derby is its Patron. Shakespeare North is a theatre built in the round, with beautiful wooden interiors, based on a 1629 design by Inigo Jones. (Ask Loveday or Fred where the term “box office” comes from the next time you see them!)
At each of the three dinners at Knowsley, the Stanleys had the immensely long dining table decorated with a different set of treasures, including many silver trophies from horse races or just beautiful objets d’art. We all enjoyed the afternoon teas, and came to appreciate the warmth emanating from the large fireplace in the Walnut Room (no wonder ladies of yore wore big shawls!). ESU Chairman Dr. Quinn Peeper entertained us playing pieces on the grand piano, evoking scenes from Downton Abbey set in the 1930s.
The group bade each other goodbye on Sunday morning. The Kleinschmidts then spent a few days in nearby Manchester, visiting the Imperial War Museum (IWM North) and experiencing “the largest Christmas market in the UK” (Manchester’s Christmas markets opened on Nov. 8, as Britain is not held back by any Thanksgiving holiday). Prior to arriving at Knowsley, Fred and Loveday also spent time in London (Churchill War Rooms, IWM South, the National Army Museum), Cambridge (American and British Air Museums at Duxford), and York (the beloved “Shambles”). This was a trip of a lifetime. They may return to the United Kingdom next year with an empty suitcase to do some serious Christmas shopping!
All photos courtesy of Loveday Conquest