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 7 tips for planning your wedding
Thereâs so much to organise when youâre looking to get married. Initially, your dress will be the number one task, as itâs going to be centre stage on your big day. However, the day itself also needs organising â and thatâs where the overwhelm tends to kick in. If youâre looking to ease that overwhelm and get a clear plan … 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
Grimâs Dyke, Jazz and the Graham Pike Band
Officially a quartet, the Graham Pike band comprise an exciting line up of experienced professionals, utilising the sound of piano, bass, drum kit and brass, to name a few. They can be hired as a quartet, trio or duet, enabling audiences of all sizes to experience their unique blend and groove. They make a classy feature at any event, often playing the … 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