Knowsley Hall History Symposium 3rd and 4th July  

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 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). 

3rd July 2025 THE DERBY WOMEN Celebrating the Women in the House of Stanley 

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. 

4th July 2025 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION The Men who lost America 

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.  

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  

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.  

Knowsley Hall History Symposium 3rd and 4th July  

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 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). 

3rd July 2025 THE DERBY WOMEN Celebrating the Women in the House of Stanley 

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. 

4th July 2025 INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION The Men who lost America 

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.  

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  

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.