The Pall Mall Gazette was a popularĀ conservativeĀ newspaper, known for its news and reviews. Throughout W.S. Gilbertās 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 Grimās Dyke. The earliest interview being published onĀ 21stĀ January 1887 (Ruddy-Gore and Savoy … Read More
Irish Soprano Rosa DāErina
RosaĀ DāErina, was an Irish soprano who appeared in aĀ fewĀ of W.S. Gilbertās pieces. BornĀ RoseĀ AnnaĀ OāTooleĀ on 22ndĀ February 1848,Ā in Armagh, Ireland, she became known as theĀ prima donna of Erin.Ā Trained in Paris, DāErina she was known asĀ Rose of Erin, whilst in her homeland of Ireland, she was always referred to asĀ Rose of the Songs. By the age of 12 she had already become the … Read More
English Bluebells
These beautiful woodland plants can be seen throughout any wooded area in the UK, including the woods at Grimās Dyke. Bluebells need no introduction; theyāre instantly recognisable and loved by many. Hereās why we love the Bluebell. #1: Bluebells can spread rapidly! They seed freely and can live in the garden compost easily too. It is said that the UK … Read More
10 facts about Rhododendrons
Rhododendrons make for a splendid display in any formal garden. These evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs flower between late winter through to early summer, granting us a beautiful backdrop of large, delicate, exotic-looking flowers. Not only did Lady Gilbert love them, hereās 10 reasons why we do too! #1: Planting Rhododendrons takes some planning Lady Gilbert planted her Rhododendrons … Read More
The perennial Allium
Lady Lucy Gilbert loved her flowers. Having planted the formal garden at Grimās 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
Ten simple Organic Gardening tips
Here at Grimās Dyke weāre big advocates of organic gardening. Not only does it help us grow produce to contribute to some of the amazing dishes in our restaurant, itās also great for the environment. If youāre looking to go organic, hereās our top ten tips to help make your organic gardening easier. #1: Water in the morning This give … Read More
John Martin: Painter, Engraver, Illustrator
John Martin was an English painter, engraver, and illustrator. Known for his melodramatic religious-themed paintings, he served as an important inspiration for W.S. Gilbertās work. Martinās art was typically fantastic and imposing. He painted imposing landscapes, with minute figures and fantastic compositions. For some, he was known as the most important painter of his day ā but his work wasnāt … Read More
Herbertina Compton Turner
Herbertina Compton Turner was W.S. Gilbertās mother-in-law. A frequent visitor to Grimās Dyke, Herbertina got on very well with Gilbert. During her life, Herbertina witnessed her own share of heartache, something Iām sure she was able to draw upon, as she helped her daughter Lucy through the subsequent death of W.S. Gilbert. Herbertinaās early life Born on the 2ndĀ July 1815, … Read More
Marie Litton ā English actress and theatre manager
Born Mary Jessie Lowe in 1847, Marie Litton was an English actress who made her Haymarket debut playing Zayda, in Gilbertās āThe Wicked Worldā, in 1873. She went on to become a theatre manager who produced several of W.S. Gilbertās plays. Marie Littonās stage debut Marie Litton made her London stage debut playing the title character in Dion Boucicaultās play … Read More
The History of Music Hall
Our music hall themed murder mystery dinners are incredibly popular. With many of the actors previously completing stints in the West End, the acting, murder and mayhem are always well received. But for those of you who havenāt heard of music hall, what exactly is it and why do we use that as the theme for our murder mystery evenings? … Read More