In the latter part of 1902, W.S. Gilbert introduced his first American steam motor car to Grimmâs Dyke and Harrow Weald. His love of the motor car was so strong, he converted the stables at Grimâs Dyke into garages to house the collection he subsequently amassed. But being a Justice of the Peace for Middlesex, with a rather dry sense … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and his menagerie of animals
W. S. Gilbert had spent thirty-five years being a professional writer, so the decision to retire was a hard one for him. However, retiring allowed him to enjoy the prestige and wealth heâd worked hard to achieve, and this left him free to spend his time at Grimâs Dyke, surrounded by his family and friends. It also gave himself, Lucy … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and the lemurs in his life
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, most known for his âSavoy Operasâ in Victorian England, also had a deep love of animals, particularly his various pet lemurs. The English writer, composer, comedian, actor and singer George Grossmith, is stated as once overhearing Gilbert saying âDeer-stalking would be a very fine sport â if only the deer had guns.â The first lemurs of … Read More