In 1919, two young girls captured the imagination of the public, along with spiritualists and theosophical societies alike, with their photographs of fairies. Taken at the end of their garden, Elsie Wright and Francis Griffiths had captured the first ever photographic evidence that fairies existed – and the Cottingley Fairies were born. The Cottingley Fairies were a set of five … Read More
Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera Manicata)
Here in the grounds of Grim’s Dyke, we have an amazing specimen plant that can grow up to 2.5 metres tall, with a spread of up to 4 metres. Commonly known as the Giant Rhubarb, this plant adorned many a stately garden – and is it any wonder? This prehistoric-looking plant cuts and imposing figure in any large garden, with … Read More
How to choose flowers for your wedding day
There’s a massive amount of planning to be done, once you’ve agreed to get married. Initially, your focus will be on the all-important wedding dress and venue however, once those key factors are in place, your attention will inevitably turn to your wedding floral arrangements. So, how do you choose what flowers to have on your wedding day? Here’s some … Read More
It’s not too late to organise a romantic Valentine’s Day weekend
Valentine’s Day gives you the perfect opportunity to organise a surprise for your loved one, and the idea of a romantic weekend away is one of the most favoured of surprises. However, we often think these weekend surprises take a lot of organisation, as well as a long timeline; but this isn’t always the case. Here at Grim’s Dyke, we … Read More
Astaire and Rogers: Hollywood’s golden dance couple
Astaire and Rogers revolutionised the genre of musical film. First paired together in supporting roles for the film ‘Flying Down to Rio’ in 1933, they went on to pair in 10 Hollywood musical films during the golden age of Hollywood. By 1936 Astaire and Rogers were top box office names – and is it any wonder! Their second film The … Read More
W.S. Gilbert and the accomplishment of a lifelong dream
On 13th February 1878, W.S. Gilbert finally got to realise his lifelong dream. That date was the Gaiety Theatre’s Wednesday Matinee performance of a pantomime Burlesque, entitled The Forty Thieves. It was a charity production that listed, among other amateur and professional actors, W.S. Gilbert – playing the part of Harlequin. The Forty Thieves was created as a charity benefit, … Read More
The Carl Rosa Opera Company
Karl August Nicolaus Rose was born in Germany, on 22nd March 1842. A child prodigy and impresario, Rose (or Rosa, when he subsequently changed his name), was an important figure in the music industry. He played a huge role in illustrating the artistic and financial success of English opera, at time when it wasn’t considered a major player in the … Read More
Notable Gilbert & Sullivan adaptations
Adaptations of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operas have been around since 1908, and they continue through to this day. W.S. Gilbert himself, started adapting them in 1908, with his first children’s book and since then, there’s been many notable adaptations. Children’s books W.S. Gilbert adapted stories from both H.M.S. Pinafore and the Mikado into story books for children. … Read More
Our Boys actress Kate Bishop
Kate Bishop was born in Bristol, 1848. She was a child actress, acting from the age of 15. Although her most famous stage role was as Violet Melrose in H.J. Byron’s Our Boys, she also acted in a trio of new plays – written by W.S. Gilbert. Bishop had a run of Gilbert’s plays during 1871 – acting in Randall’s … Read More
William Gilbert – an early influence on W.S. Gilbert?
In 1861, a 26-year-old W.S. Gilbert began supplementing his income by writing illustrated stories, poems and articles of his own. During this period, his series of illustrated poems, the ‘Bab Ballads’ became increasingly popular. However, W.S. Gilbert also illustrated the poems and short stories for others during this period – including those of his father, William Gilbert. Although William Gilbert … Read More