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. Gilbert’s work. Martin’s 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 – but his work wasn’t … Read More
Herbertina Compton Turner
Herbertina Compton Turner was W.S. Gilbert’s mother-in-law. A frequent visitor to Grim’s Dyke, Herbertina got on very well with Gilbert. During her life, Herbertina witnessed her own share of heartache, something I’m sure she was able to draw upon, as she helped her daughter Lucy through the subsequent death of W.S. Gilbert. Herbertina’s early life Born on the 2nd July 1815, … Read More
Marie Litton – 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 Gilbert’s ‘The Wicked World’, in 1873. She went on to become a theatre manager who produced several of W.S. Gilbert’s plays. Marie Litton’s stage debut Marie Litton made her London stage debut playing the title character in Dion Boucicault’s 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 haven’t heard of music hall, what exactly is it and why do we use that as the theme for our murder mystery evenings? … Read More
W.S. Gilbert’s fairy play: The Wicked World
The Wicked World was W.S. Gilbert’s third fairy play. It was a dramatization of Gilbert’s own illustrated story ‘The Wicked World’, originally published in Tom Hood’s 1871 ‘Comic Annual’. This half joking dramatization took Gilbert several months to write. It centred on the action within a twenty-four-hour period, focusing on a fairyland scene floating above the world. Broken down into … Read More
Giant Redwood trees, Victorians and The Grim’s Dyke
Wander around the formal gardens at Grim’s Dyke and you’ll be surrounded by the breath-taking beauty of nature. Lady Gilbert planted a stunning array of flowers and plants, with the most noticeable being several Redwood trees, now over 100 years old. As with any Victorian gardener with status, Lady Gilbert would have loved exotic plants – and would have relished … Read More
10 Facts about the Green woodpecker
There are three woodpeckers that breed in Britain – the Green woodpecker, the Greater woodpecker and the Lesser Spotted Woodpecker. The Green woodpecker is the largest of the three. Here are ten interesting facts about these colourful birds. #1: The scientific name for a Green woodpecker is Picus viridis The Green woodpecker is from the Picidae family of birds and … Read More
How to select the right bridesmaids for you
The bridesmaids and groomsmen you select for your wedding day are going to play an important role, both before and during the event. It’s therefore essential, that you select the right people for the task. Here’s some top tips to help you make the best selection for you. #1: Think first, ask later! When you’re riding high on the euphoria … Read More
What’s the etiquette, when thanking your bridal party?
Buying gifts for your bridal party is a traditional part of your wedding day, as is presenting those gifts to the recipients during your meal or reception. Gifts are given to those people you wish to thank, for either taking a part in your wedding day preparation or having a role on the day – but who do you give … Read More
Wedding cake choices – where traditional isn’t always best!
Planning a wedding takes time, money and creativity. For many brides to be, their wedding day is a cumulation of many months of hard work and planning – ending in a day that’s visually spectacular and emotionally tiring! Many brides know what type of dress they want to wear, how many bridesmaids they want and what colour schemes and themes … Read More