An Afternoon with the Mitfords

29th March 2026

Our Afternoon with the Mitfords on 29th March 2026 was wild!

Two sensational authors, Mimi Pond and Carla Kaplan, have written two extraordinary books and they shared their insights and their very different writing process with us.

Carla and Mimi are both fascinated by the parallels between the politics of the early twentieth century and those of today. What happens when members of an eccentric aristocratic family jump into active political life – on different sides? With presentations and Q&As.

We were also joined by Jessica (Decca) Mitford’s son Benjie, and in addition to the two authors, our panel consisted of Di Trevis (theatre director and friend of Jessica Mitford) and Rosie Pearson, owner of Asthall Manor and local Green Party councillor.

Books were sold by Jaffa and Neale and vegan tea and treats by Nutmeg and Thyme rounded off a buzzing afternoon!

At Asthall Manor, the childhood home of the Mitfords, our relationship with this notorious family has evolved over the years. But over time, the narrative has become more nuanced, with the tragedy of these intelligent, under-educated and emotionally stifled women being looked at through a broader lens.