We all know that the Victorian era was an age of incredible ingenuity. The industrial revolution was changing the way in which materials were produced. The first photographs were taken. The world got its first taste of ice cream and people were, for the first time, getting on their bikes – although they were called ‘velocipedes’ at first. The Victorian … Read More
Grim’s Dyke: What it takes to become a Grade II* listed building
Steeped in history, Grim’s Dyke is a stunning example of British Architecture. One which has links to several influential and key historical British figures. However, its history goes back even further than the building itself. And it’s all these facts combined, that helped Grim’s Dyke achieve its Grade II listed building status. But what exactly enables a building to gain … Read More
Victorian Architects Ernest George and Harold Peto
From September 1890 until the end of that year, Sir William S Gilbert supervised the various internal alterations he wanted to be completed at Grim’s Dyke. He employed the victorian architects Ernest George and Peto to do the work. Chosen as they had a prominent reputation in London and had also designed Gilbert’s London home in Harrington Gardens. Various changes … Read More
Pressing flowers – a quintessential Victorian pastime
The Victorians loved flowers! Not only did they adore fresh flowers in their homes, flowers were also depicted in paintings, carvings, embroidery and clothing. Pressed flowers were a simple art form the Victorians enjoyed and can easily be traced back to ancient Egypt. In the 1500’s Oshibana (the art of pressing flowers in a way to create a whole picture) … Read More
Picnics – The Traditional Victorian Way
Picnics, are the ideal opportunity to meet up with friends and family. A chance to enjoy an informal yet tasty meal, whilst having fun in the great outdoors. Wealthy landowners loved a good picnic, as it gave them the chance to sit and enjoy the scenery their estates gave them. And it was the Victorians who brought picnics to the … Read More
Top 10 Gilbert & Sullivan Facts
The wonderful partnership of Gilbert & Sullivan produced memorable comic operas. Although the partnership wasn’t always smooth sailing, it was a lasting friendship. This continued throughout the mens lives right until the end. Theirs was a partnership that had a massive impact on boosting the career of both men. And helped shape the future of musical theatre. Discover our ten … Read More
The bed of kings: the four poster bed
The bed has long been used as a symbol of money and power. The better a style and quality of bed, the wealthier its owner was. In Saxon and Norman times, most people slept on the floor around the fire. It was only the wealthy or those with a higher status, that slept off the floor, on beds created from … Read More
A brief history of Victorian herbalism
Herbalism or botanical medicine is one of the oldest traditions around. The Egyptians used herbs for medicine, as did indigenous healers around the world. In Britain, herbalism can be traced back thousands of years. The British Library has a copy of a ‘leech book’ – thought to date back as far as the 800s CE! Medieval lay healers used herbs, … Read More
A Brief History of the Victorian Glasshouse
The greenhouse, otherwise known as the Victorian glasshouse, became an iconic feature of british gardens during the Victorian era. As the Victorian’s love of gardening grew, the need to house their fragile, temperature controlled and valuable plants did too. The glasshouse provided a home for these species, whilst also paving the way for plant experimentation and cultivation. A status symbol … Read More
The history of Father’s Day
Father’s Day is an annual celebration that is celebrated in over one hundred countries. This year in the UK, we’ll be celebrating it on Sunday 16th of June. However it wasn’t always a celebrated day. Initially celebrating fatherhood was something only the Copic and Catholic Churches of southern europe celebrated, as part of their St. Joseph’s Day celebrations, but now … Read More