English composer Frederic Clay, was a great friend of Arthur Sullivan, who he subsequently introduced to W.S. Gilbert at the Gallery. Together, Clay and Gilbert produced four comic operas, before a stroke paralysed Clay at the age of 44 and cut short his productive life. Cay died in 1889, aged 51 when he was found drowned in the bath at … Read More
Doctor Who, Daleks and The Grimâs Dyke
The Evil of the Daleks was the ninth and final serial of the fourth season the popular science fiction television series Doctor Who. The Doctor had regenerated for the first time during this fourth season, with Patrick Troughton taking over from William Hartnell. For the first time, the entire cast changed over the course of this fourth season â something … Read More
Top 10 Victorian flowers
The Victorians loved flowers. Not only did they use them to adorn their homes, they were also used to scent their toiletries and clothes, flowers also had hidden symbolism too. Many a Victorian sweetheart could send unwritten wording through their choice of floral bouquet. Hereâs the top flowers of choice for the Victorians, along with what message they portrayed. #1: The … Read More
The etiquette for Victorian dining
Victorian dining was a complex affair. Not only was there the formality or writing to ask guests to attend, there was the complexity of organising who sat where, what dishes to serve (along with how many!) and ensuring that all guests would have an enjoyable evening. When it come to the actual evening, the table needed to be set right, … Read More
Arthur Playfair â The dancing corporal
Arthur Wyndham Playfair was an actor and singer. He appeared in a couple of William Schwenck Gilbertâs operas, as well as Edwardian musical comedies, and also created roles in Victorian burlesques. Born on the 20th October in 1869, Playfair started life in Ellichpur, a city in the Indian state of Maharashtra. He made his first appearance on the British stage … Read More
The Victorian love of Billiards
In 1883, the then owner of Grimâs Dyke, banker Robert Heriot hired designer Arthur Cawston to add a billiard room to the existing property at Grimâs Dyke. The room was adjacent to what was formerly Goodallâs studio and was designed in a coarse Gothic style. Sir William Gilbert wasnât keen on this style of architecture. He had this room overhauled in 1890, adding a new suite of … Read More
10 Herbs for every Victorian Herb garden
No Victorian garden was complete, without some herbs â and spring was the perfect time to get them started. Not only were they used in the Victorian kitchen, they were used to help keep the home clean and fresh smelling. Herbs were also used for their medicinal properties, along with their cosmetic value too â with the essential oils also being … Read More
The Pall Mall Gazette
The Pall Mall Gazette was a popular conservative newspaper, known for its news and reviews. Throughout W.S. Gilbertâs career, he was no stranger to the pages of the Pall Mall Gazette. His Savoy Operas were often reviewed within its pages and he was also regularly interviewed at his home in Grimâs Dyke. The earliest interview being published on 21st January 1887 (Ruddy-Gore and Savoy … Read More
Irish Soprano Rosa DâErina
Rosa DâErina, was an Irish soprano who appeared in a few of W.S. Gilbertâs pieces. Born Rose Anna OâToole on 22nd February 1848, in Armagh, Ireland, she became known as the prima donna of Erin. Trained in Paris, DâErina she was known as Rose of Erin, whilst in her homeland of Ireland, she was always referred to as Rose of the Songs. By the age of 12 she had already become the … Read More
The perennial Allium
Lady Lucy Gilbert loved her flowers. Having planted the formal garden at Grimâs Dyke, along with the sunken rose garden, she ensured there were always beautiful and colourful flowers to break up the seasons. Dotted amongst the roses in the sunken garden, Lady Gilbert had planted both Geraniums and Alliums. The Allium family Alliums are part of the large Amaryllidaceae … Read More