Countess of Derby launches study days to highlight history and education needs in Knowsley

The Countess of Derby has launched more study days to bring to life British history through the stories of the Derby family and Knowsley Hall.

Both days, on October 15 and 16, offer a fresh perspective on 600 years of history, showcasing the vital role the Derby family played in shaping political, cultural and artistic life throughout the centuries.

And, part of the Why History Matters programme the countess began last year, the days are also aimed at highlighting the lack of A level opportunity within the Knowsley borough for almost 10 years.

The countess, who’s joined forces with writer Frank Cottrell Boyce to shine a spotlight on the issue, says:

“I started Why History Matters at the end of last year when I realised that nothing was being done about raising awareness of the lack of A Level offering in the borough.

“It was my initiative and idea to use history talks so that our local community could vote with their feet for more opportunities to study after GCSE levels in our borough.

“All of the speakers have committed to talking to help raise awareness and give their support.”

Children from local schools were invited to the first study day about the Derby women in July this year, and the countess adds: “This October some children as young as eight are coming with their parents as they are such history lovers.

“How can children feel inspiration or hope if they are not offered the opportunity of further education?”

Frank Cottrell Boyce says:

“Knowsley is a borough that has a profound and thrilling connection to some of the most thrilling and dramatic moments of English history. At the same time Knowsley is one of the most deprived boroughs in the country. The Countess of Derby History Study Days aim to connect the people of Knowsley with their astoundingly rich heritage – and make the rest of the country aware of what talent and what a legacy this place holds.”

The October Days will focus respectively on The Life and Legacy of the 13^th Earl of Derby and The Life and Legacy of the 14^th Earl of Derby, with the chance to be guided around Knowsley Hall by the countess herself.

Speakers will include the countess, Caroline Derby – a history graduate – and Frank Cottrell Boyce, along with other writers and eminent historians.

The countess says the days are for ‘any history lover, whether of school age or older’: “It’s all about history being taught chronologically so that we can learn lessons from the past and celebrate the future … but most importantly not keep making the same mistakes!”

She goes on:

“Both the 13^th and 14^th Earls of Derby lived at Knowsley Hall and contributed massively to the community and local area to support the education and welfare of the residents in the surrounding area.

“The 13^th Earl had the largest menagerie in the world and Knowsley Safari continues this tradition of endangered species being raised and conserved in Merseyside. He also employed world class artists to paint all these endangered species, and these watercolours remain at Knowsley Hall.

“Some of these species are now sadly extinct like the quagga but we hold a watercolour to remind us how important it is to nurture and care for all birds and mammals.

“The 14^th Earl – a former UK Prime Minister – was a champion for education being the key to social mobility. As Chief Secretary to Ireland he introduced free non-denominational state primary education in every parish in Ireland in 1831 as he believed that if Catholic and Protestant children were taught together in primary school they would learn to play together and co-exist peacefully together.

“He had a humanity and curiosity that transcended race, creed and class and should be better known as a mentor or example to young people. He made his world a better place in his lifetime through his championing of education, travel, religious tolerance and parliamentary reform, all in a time before air travel, telephones and social media.”

The countess says:

“I learn so much from bringing these world class scholars to the area by providing a venue to share their knowledge and expertise with the wide ranging audience that come to Knowsley Hall, united by a love of learning about the past to reinterpret past events to make better choices in the future.”

Visitors can choose to attend one or both of the study days, and there’s an exclusive opportunity to stay at Knowsley Hall and enjoy dinner with the Earl and Countess of Derby.

History study days cost £75 each and include morning coffee, a buffet lunch and afternoon tea.