Today I'm joined by Eleanor Doughty, journalist, author and one of the most trusted voices

writing about Britain's modern aristocracy. Her writing is quietly but decisively shaped how

many of us think about British historic houses, particularly for telegraph readers, where her

Sunday column, Greater States, has become something of a fixture. Over more than a decade,

Ellen has travelled to over, probably, I'm guessing here,

but 150 of Britain's finest country houses,

interviewing the owners to discover the reality behind the aristocratic way of life in the 21st century.

She has become the journalist that historic house owners trust with their stories,

even the ones that they've never told publicly.

Her book, Heirs and Grace, is published in 2025 after years of research, offers an

unprecedented look inside, I have to say, closed worlds. The book explores the lives of the people

who inherit, manage, and live in historic houses,

moving between past and present and examining what ownership stewardship and title really mean in the 21st century.

Ayers and Graces was widely reviewed on publication.

The Financial Times called it an enthralling chronicle of the British aristocracy,

noting it detailed portrayals of aristocratic life and inheritance. The Times described it as superb, a superb survey of the aristocratic life today.

The Guardian's Culture Roundup, a review highlighted how Doughty's work is peppered with first-hand accounts

and details, the story of every great house told by Brigg.

So it's a subject Ellen and I have talked about many times off the record. And today,

we're finally having the conversation properly and very much on the record.

Elena, welcome to Hidden Heritage. Thank you so much for joining me.

Thank you for having me. I hope that introduction did you justice.

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