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Raiders of the Lost Archive

The real Mitford Sisters - Debo 2

Season 2, Ep. 32
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👑 Noble Ranks & Tea with Hitler: Debo Meets her Duke ☕🤴

Before Deborah Mitford could become a Duchess, she had to navigate the labyrinth of British high society—and we’re taking you along for the ride. In this episode, we decipher the baffling world of aristocratic titles, explaining why a Duke is the "ultimate boss" of the British aristocracy and where the Devonshires fit into this titular maze (or mess?).

This is a proper name-dropping episode: We’re whizzing from the British Royal Family to Prince Andrew and Epstein; from the Glorious Revolution to Queen Anne (the tragic monarch from the film The Favourite); and from Winston Churchill and Blenheim Palace to Diana Spencer. We cover everything from disinheritance to imprisonment, and from Debo’s bizarrely casual tea with Adolf Hitler to the dance-floor charm of a young JFK.

🌟 It all culminates in Debo’s fateful meeting with the man who would eventually make her a Duchess: Andrew Cavendish.💖


Chapters: 

0:00:00 Intro, Recap & Overview for today (Fun with British titles!)

0:05:07 All the wild Aristocratic Titles and the Dukes

0:08:49 Titles below the Dukes & the Roll of the Peerage

0:13:24 The Role of the Sovereign (👑) in the Titles

0:15:23 Why are Princes also Dukes? (🤑)

0:20:30 Debo’s chances of marrying a Duke

0:24:15 The Devonshires - How to become a Duke? (Revolution!)

0:29:23 Queen Anne, The Favourite, the Marlboroughs & Women

0:35:19 Some Gossip about the current Marlboroughs

0:39:40 Debo’s Tea with Adolf Hitler & Dance with JFK

0:42:56 Debo meets Andrew in 1939

0:45:07 Wrap & Outlook (still nobody expecting a Duchess…)


For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Debo’s life, we recommend her memoir “Wait for me!”


You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod 

And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com 


For Londoners and people who are passionate about Women’s Health: 

Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? 

Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?

Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk


As a BONUS: Here's a little Cheat Sheet for the British Titles:

Duke / Duchess (The "High Up Dudes" – reserved for Royal family or ancient lines like the Devonshires)

Marquess / Marchioness (The "Border Guards" – held land on the edges of the country)

Earl / Countess (The classic British title – think Downton Abbey)

Viscount / Viscountess (The middle management of the aristocracy)

Baron / Baroness (The entry-level tier aka the Lord Peasants)


Tags: #DeboMitford #TheMitfords #DuchessOfDevonshire #BritishAristocracy #Bridgerton #TheWindsors #TheFavourite #LadyDi #RoyalHistory #Kennedys

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  • 34. The real Mitford Sisters - Debo 4

    01:02:27||Season 2, Ep. 34
    💔 The Tragedy, The Spare, and The Kennedy Connection: Debo’s Years of Trial 🕊️🗝️In this episode, we explore some of the toughest years of Deborah Mitford’s life. We begin with the golden boy of the Cavendish family, William "Billy" Hartington, whose romance with Kathleen "Kick" Kennedy caused immense religious turbulence—a tragic union that linked the Mitfords to the Kennedys forever.While Andrew Cavendish’s battles with alcoholism and infidelity created a challenging marriage, Debo was simultaneously facing her own heartbreaks. From the joy of her first childbirth to the profound trauma of losing several infants in quick succession, we take a raw, emotional look at a life lived in the shadow of death and disappointment, all while the massive responsibility of "the House" loomed on the horizon.Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap 0:05:03 Andrew’s brother William, the heir apparent0:08:24 Joseph P. Kennedy Sr., ambassador to the UK0:15:10 Kick Kennedy & William and religious complications0:25:10 Andrew Cavendish, the spare son 0:35:53 Debo’s first childbirth in late 19410:41:53 Debo’s children Emma & Peregrine (aka Stoker)0:50:10 Childbirths, deaths, & traumas - and another child!1:00:00 Wrap & Outlook (the inheritance & the “house”)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Debo’s life, we recommend her memoir “Wait for me!”You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #DeborahCavendish #TheMitfords #Chatsworth #RoyalGossip #TrueStories #LucienFreud #TheKennedys #Antisemitism #BritishAristocracy #GriefAndResilience

  • 33. The real Mitford Sisters - Debo 3

    48:00||Season 2, Ep. 33
    💍✨From a Noble Wedding to a Mysterious Country House Death 🏰☠️For Deborah Mitford, marrying a Cavendish meant marrying their ghosts, too. We’re unpacking the baggage of one of Britain's most illustrious dynasties, from the legendary Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (the 18th-century "it-girl" linked to Marie Antoinette and Lady Di) and her scandalous ménage à trois, to the tragic ties that bind the family to the Kennedy Curse and the heavy shadow of the 10th Duke’s sudden, suspicious death. This episode explores how Debo stepped into a world where high society glamour meets dark ancestral mysteries and personal tragedies.🪦🎭Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (we look at Andrew’s family)0:04:32 How did Debo and Andrew meet? - the various versions0:12:03 Debo & Andrew get married in 19410:16:36 Names: Cavendish, Devonshire, Derbyshire 0:18:37 The Cavendishes: Georgiana & the ménage à trois 0:25:42 The Cavendishes: Andrew’s father (the 10th Duke)0:28:55 The Cavendishes: Andrew’s mother (Lady Mary)0:34:10 The sudden & suspicious death of the 10th Duke0:39:39 The Cavendishes: Andrew’s sisters0:45:57 Wrap & Outlook (the heavy death duty)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Debo’s life, we recommend her memoir “Wait for me!”You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #DeborahMitford #TheMitfords #Chatsworth #RoyalGossip #LadyDi #TrueStories #EnglishCountryLife #MysteriousDeaths #TheKennedys #AristocraticScandal

  • 31. The real Mitford Sisters - Debo 1

    53:49||Season 2, Ep. 31
    👒 The Duchess of Poultry: Debo’s Childhood in the Mitford Fortress 🏰🐣Are you ready to shift gears from the "Communist" to the "Duchess"? Because Deborah’s story is a completely different kind of Mitford madness.Meet the last, and perhaps most surprising, of the sisters: Deborah "Debo" Mitford. While her siblings were busy plotting revolutions and stalking dictators, the baby of the family was perfectly content in the chicken coop and out of the crossfire. We explore her early years at Asthall Manor, where she navigated the brutal wit of her eldest sister, Nancy, and formed a secret society against the "Horrible Counter-Hons." Discover how the future Duchess of Devonshire survived the Mitford madness with her sense of humour (and her knickers) intact.🤡👙Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Overview (a duchess in the making)0:04:22 Deborah - the last Mitford child0:12:02 Debo & Nancy, the opposite sisters0:15:52 The older and the younger siblings0:20:33 Country siblings, library siblings, and emotions0:26:09 Debo’s childhood & Asthall Manor0:33:24 The Hons, the Counter Hons, and more nicknames0:39:08 Their pets & “cautionary” tales for children0:46:34 Debo, Nanny, and the undergarments0:52:43 Wrap & Outlook (We’re done with politics - or are we?)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Debo’s life, we recommend her memoir “Wait for me!”You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #DeboMitford #TheMitfords #DeboCavendish #DowntonAbbey #Chatsworth #DuchessOfDevonshire #BritishAristocracy #AsthallManor #EnglishCountryLife #CarlaKaplan #Struwwelpeter

  • 30. The real Mitford Sisters - Decca 8

    59:03||Season 2, Ep. 30
    ✍️🔥The Queen of Muckrakers & Life in the USA 🎤✊This is the grand finale of Decca’s journey from aristocratic life in Oxfordshire to the front lines of American activism! Listen how Jessica Mitford evolved into one of America’s finest investigative journalists. We dive into her scathing exposé of the funeral industry, The American Way of Death, and her unexpected brushes with the Kennedy family. From leading silent campus protests in her fifties to her little known musical adventures, Decca always pointed her finger at any injustice—until the very end. We wrap up with her influential legacy, including a poignant look at how she remembered the sisters she left behind.📚👭Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Decca’s muckraking in the USA)0:02:27 Decca’s journalism, The American Way of Death, & JFK0:09:56 Decca’s investigative journalism on industry practices0:17:05 Decca’s university years - raising protest again ;-)0:20:55 The life of an activist mother & her children0:23:11 Childcare arrangements & the household0:33:54 Decca’s surprising musical talents & “Troublemaker”0:37:52 Muv visiting Decca in Oakland & the HUAC’s subpoena0:42:55 Decca’s relationship to Muv and Aranka0:44:42 Decca’s death,her legacy, and her children0:49:33 Decca remembering Tom, Unity, and Diana0:56:20 Wrap & Outlook (There’s a duchess coming your way!)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:“Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)“A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla KaplanChristpher Hitchen’s interview with Decca (1988)You can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #JessicaMitford #TheAmericanWayOfDeath #InvestigativeJournalism #Muckraking #TheMitfords #CivilRightsHistory #Kennedys #DeccaMitford

  • 29. The real Mitford Sisters - Decca 7

    39:36||Season 2, Ep. 29
    🚢 The Prodigal Daughter: A Riveting Return to the Family Fold 🕵️‍♀️🇬🇧After over a decade away, Jessica Mitford finally crosses the Atlantic for a surreal and tension-filled homecoming to the UK and Europe. What should have been a family vacation quickly shifts into a Cold War spy thriller as Decca and Bob are kind of wanted by the FBI. But they manage to visit Decca’s family in England and they even manage to leap behind the Iron Curtain.No easy travelling for Americans in the 50s if they’re labelled as subversives.Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (American Communists in Europe)0:02:53 Going home - A spy thriller trip to Europe0:17:03 Visiting Inch Kenneth, Chatsworth, and London0:21:05 Going to Hungary - luck is on their side ;-)0:29:45 How was communism in Hungary?0:32:59 Last stop: Paris & Nancy0:36:47 Back to the USA0:37:36 Wrap & Outlook (Decca’s investigative journalism)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:“Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)“A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla KaplanYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.uk#MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #CivilRightsMovement #AmericanHistory #ColdWarEurope #IronCurtain #ChatsworthHouse #1950sHistory #TrueStories

  • 28. The real Mitford Sisters - Decca 6

    47:00||Season 2, Ep. 28
    ✊⚖️The Muckraker & The Lawyer: Decca’s Crusade in America 🇺🇸🚩No longer just a rebellious aristocrat, Jessica Mitford fully embraces her role as a tireless "foot soldier" for justice alongside her partner, the civil rights attorney Robert Treuhaft. Together, they navigate the threats of the McCarthy era, weaponizing Decca’s unique talent for fundraising to fuel their unapologetic work within the American Communist Party & the Civil Rights Movement..Let the muckraking begin! 💩⚒️Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Decca is no longer on her own!)0:02:28 Robert Treuhaft, his heritage and early life0:11:12 Digression: How family names were changed.0:13:58 Bob’s work as a lawyer (cameo: Hillary Clinton!)0:18:02 Why did Decca & Bob join the US Communist Party?0:29:20 Decca, McCarthy, and leaving the CPUSA0:36:21 More grief for Decca and her family0:44:53 Wrap & Outlook (JFK coming your way!)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:“Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)“A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla KaplanYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #BobTreuhaft #CivilRightsMovement #McCarthyism #HillaryClinton #AmericanHistory #ColdWarPolitics #SocialJustice #TrueStories

  • 27. The real Mitford Sisters - Decca 5

    49:34||Season 2, Ep. 27
    🌉 The Golden Gate Rebel: Decca’s American Life 🇺🇸Stranded and widowed in wartime Washington, Jessica Mitford refuses to play the tragic aristocrat, instead diving headfirst into the American workforce to support her young daughter and the wartime efforts. A chance encounter with the sharp civil rights lawyer Bob Treuhaft sparks Decca’s move across the continent to look for a fresh start in San Francisco. As her new family life in the States flourishes, the Atlantic cannot bridge the growing ideological divide with her old family, leading to a legendary and permanent falling out with her fascist sister, Diana Mosley.Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (Decca is on her own!)0:03:56 Decca’s stay with the Durr’s0:04:49 Decca’s daughter Dinky (or Donk)0:08:45 Decca’s “war efforts” at the OPA0:17:47 Decca meets Bob Treuhaft0:23:12 Move to San Francisco - running away again?0:26:22 Bob’s “summer vacation” in San Francisco0:33:40 Events in England: The Rift with Diana0:47:22 Wrap & Outlook (Decca’s real work in the USA)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:“Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)“A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla KaplanYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #WWIIHistory #AmericanCivilRights #BritishAristocracy #fascism #communism #WinstonChurchill  #DianaMosley #TrueStories

  • 26. The real Mitford Sisters - Decca 4

    40:46||Season 2, Ep. 26
    💔Farewell Europe: The Red Sheep Takes Manhattan🗽After the high-seas drama of their escape, Jessica Mitford and Esmond Romilly trade their spy-thriller life for a gritty "commune" in London before seeking a fresh start in the United States. But the American dream quickly turns into a wartime nightmare as the outbreak of World War II leads to a devastating personal loss, leaving Decca stranded across the Atlantic.Witness Decca’s most harrowing transition from a defiant young bride to a widowed single mother fighting for survival in a country that is no longer home.Chapters: 0:00:00 Intro & Recap (bye bye Spain & France)0:05:06 Plans & changes: from Spy Thriller to RomCom0:10:45 Back in London - the communist “hippie” house0:15:45 Their first baby & their “escape” to the USA0:27:42 The outbreak of WWII & Esmond’s death0:34:56 Her darkest hour - Decca is on her own!0:39:31 Wrap & Outlook (widowed, single mother, without a job)For everyone who wants to dive deeper into Jessica Mitford's life, we recommend the following books:“Hons and Rebels” by Jessica Mitford (her first memoir)“A Fine Old Conflict” by Jessica Mitford (her second memoir)"Troublemaker: The Fierce, Unruly Life of Jessica Mitford" by Carla KaplanYou can also find and follow us on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@raidersofthelostarchive_pod And you can email us: raidersofthelostarchive.pod@gmail.com For Londoners and people who care about Women’s Health: Do you want to book a massage with Women + Health? Or maybe organise a Team Event with us? Or make a donation?Look us up online: www.womenandhealth.org.ukTags: #MitfordSisters #JessicaMitford #WWIIHistory #GriefAndLoss #BritishAristocracy #HistoricalBiographies #LawrenceOfArabia #1940sAmerica #TrueStories