The surrender at Yorktown is often remembered as a simple, symbolic defeat. But in reality, it was layered with diplomacy, ritual, and quiet gestures of civility. PhD researcher Iris joins us to examine Cornwallis’s absence from the public ceremony - often branded as cowardice - and to reveal a far more significant encounter: Cornwallis’s private meeting with Washington in the general’s oval tent. Eyewitness accounts suggest Cornwallis was cordial, speaking fluent French to Rochambeau before being left alone with Washington. This moment of civility between adversaries may represent not just the surrender of an army, but the beginning of a tradition of peaceful transference of power - an echo, even, of the Oval Office meetings between outgoing and incoming presidents on inauguration day. Far from cowardice, Cornwallis’s actions reveal a man engaged in quiet diplomacy at a pivotal moment in history.
About the Host:
The Countess of Derby was born Caroline Emma Neville in 1963, the daughter of Robin Neville, 10th Baron Braybrooke, of the House of Neville, and Robin Helen Brockhoff. Having studied History of Art, Lady Derby previously worked as assistant to the Curator of the Queen’s Pictures, at Windsor Castle. In 1994 she married Edward Stanley, the 19th Earl of Derby, with whom she has three children. Lady Derby competes in dressage, currently holding the title of National Music Champion at Prix St Georges level. As custodian of Knowsley Hall, Lady Derby has overseen a vast restoration of both the hall and it’s collection, which has furthered her interest in art and history. Lady Derby also works with a collection of local organisations and charities in her local area.
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