When the search for a Caroline Norton portrait led The Friends to the private collection at Chatsworth House, little did they know of the research avenue that was about to open up before them. Join Chatsworth’s Archivist Fran Baker, exploring the friendship between the 5th Duke of Devonshire and Markenfield’s Caroline Norton, their extensive archive of letters (transcribed by a team of the Hall’s volunteers) and how 5th Duke could just have easily been embroiled in the ‘Criminal Conversation’ Trial as Lord Melbourne.

John Blashford-Snell is one of the world’s most renowned and highly respected explorers and authors. A former British Army officer, he is amongst the last of a generation of true explorers; having pioneered new methods of exploration and discovery.  He has documented unchartered territories, nature and peoples. Over his extraordinary life of adventure, John has conducted more than 100 expeditions for the purpose of scientific research and community aid. From exploring the Blue Nile in Ethiopia for Emperor Hailie Selassie, to delivering a grand piano to the Wai Wai in Guyana; discovering mammoth-like elephants in Nepal. And from founding the UK charity Just a Drop, establishing Operation Raleigh (now Raleigh International), and the Scientific Exploration Society, all of which still continue to do great work today. In the 2019 he was appointed a CBE for services to both scientific research abroad and to young people in the UK.

Pamela Hartshorne began writing novels to fund a PhD in medieval history, and has since written over 80 books, both fiction and non-fiction. Here she will explore her 'time slip' novels, based on her research of Elizabethan York, and the challenges of treading a fine line between historical accuracy and a compelling story.

There is evidence indicating that the 3^rd Lord Grantley, during his ownership in the C19th, had many trees planted to create a landscape more resembling the Park that once it had been; eventually seeing that the land around Markenfield was transformed from simple farmland under crops, to a fitting setting for this once-powerful home. Since then, time has passed and many of his trees are coming towards the end of their natural lives and replanting is needed - now especially due to the arrival of Ash Dieback. Gardener Giles Gilbey has devised a new programme of planting that will ensure a succession of trees on the estate for years to come. Can you help by sponsoring a tree?