Welcome back to a festive special of Past Loves - the history podcast that explores affection, infatuation and attachment across time.

In this episode, in the most magical setting of Floors Castle situated in the Scottish Borders, I explore the love story between Henry Innes-Ker, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, and his beloved Duchess, Mary "May" Goelet, with Operations Manager (and wonderful storyteller) Matthew Thompson. Floors Castle has been the home of the Innes-Ker family for 300 years and, after having been remodelled by the 6th Duke of Roxburghe, now stands as a dramatic and truly romantic castle.

Henry, 8th Duke of Roxburghe, was the suitor who finally stole the heart of the highly-desirable American heiress May Goelet. With this, their relationship highlights a trend in the late 19th/early 20th Centuries for rich American heiresses to marry into aristocratic European families - Downton Abbey instantly comes to mind of course. Henry and May do, however, seem to be a little different - they were a love match. Together, they forged the future of Floors.

I hope you enjoy unwrapping their charming love story. Merry Christmas!

Where To Find Us

Floors Castle: https://www.floorscastle.com/

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If Past Loves has become your current love, you can email me at pastlovespodcast@gmail.com