Built by Richard D’Oyly Carte, the Savoy Theatre opened on 10th October 1881. Originally, the theatre was going to be called the ‘Beaufort Theatre’, but Carte chose to honour the original Savoy Manor theatre, previously on the site. The Savoy Theatre was purpose-built as the showcase for Gilbert & Sullivan comic operas and the partnership subsequently becoming known as the ‘Savoy Operas’. Plans afoot Although … Read More
The cultural influences of Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan were well-known for their comedy operas, with the likes of ‘Pirates of Penzance’ and ‘Iolanthe’. They appealed to the audiences of their time, due in part, to the successful partnership of Gilbert’s lyrical genius & the musical composition of Sullivan. However, their operas were more than great shows – they also influenced our culture, from politics through to advertising. Gilbert & … Read More
Life of a Victorian writer
The Victorian era has bought us some of the most famous writers in history – Charles Dickens, William Makepeace Thackeray, the Bronte sisters, W.S. Gilbert, Robert Browning and George Bernard Shaw. These playwrights, poets and authors created works that continued to delight us, long after their deaths – but what was it really like for the Victorian writers? Victorian Literature and Overnight Celebrity It was … Read More
The Victorian British Parlour – A Room with Status
When it came to selecting the most ornate room in a Victorian house, chances are it was always going to be the Parlour. It was the only room in a traditional Victorian house that was created predominantly to illustrate your wealth and status in society. And this made it the ideal place to entertain your guests. The word ‘parlour’ originated from the Latin … Read More
The changing role of Grim’s Dyke and other estates from the bygone era
Like any country house and estate in England, Grim’s Dyke has had its fair share of changes over the years. Originally designed and built in 1870’s by Richard Norman Shaw, Grim’s Dyke has had name and owner changes, conversions and additions to its original layout – but the biggest of those changes happened at the start of World War I. … Read More
Host your own dinner party – the W.S. Gilbert way!
Mrs Beeton’s Dinner table Setting During the Victorian era, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert and his wife, Lucy, hosted some amazing dinner parties at Grim’s Dyke. They were the talking point of local society, not least because the family lemurs often made an appearance! Victorian dinner parties were all about status, refinement and attention to detail – and Lady Gilbert excelled in these areas. If … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan: after the Savoy Operas
The Gilbert & Sullivan collaboration ran from 1871-1896. The duo produced a total of 14 Savoy Operas, but the relationship had reached breaking point, leading them to part company. W.S. Gilbert In the years that followed, Gilbert continued to write, even after he’d announced his retirement from the theatre. Gilbert’s first solo play was in 1897. Entitled ‘The Fortune Hunter’, it unfortunately … Read More
Architecture of the Gothic Revival
Originally, the word ‘Gothic’ was used as a derogatory statement, to illustrate architecture that ‘spoiled’ or ‘ruined’ the look of existing buildings – however, it went on to be a massive influence to the architects of the Victorian era, including the likes of Richard Norman Shaw, who went on to design Grim’s Dyke. The Gothic revival of the 18th and 19th Centuries, started in … Read More
Charles II – from Soho to Grim’s Dyke and back again
Built in the 1670’s, Soho Square was the place to live in London. Originally named King’s Square for King Charles II, it was a highly fashionable place to be and at its centre, was a grand statue of the king. Designed by Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber, the King Charles II statue formed part of the centrepiece fountain, erected in … Read More
Grim’s Dyke and its historical blue plaque
When you stand outside the main entrance at Grim’s Dyke, look to the left and you’ll see a familiar blue plaque. This historical marker usually commemorates the link between the location and a famous person – although in Grim’s Dyke’s case, our historical marker commemorates not one person, but three! In 1976 The Greater London Council issued Grim’s Dyke with … Read More