Better known by her pen name Mrs Pender Cudlip, Annie Hall Cudlip was considered one of the most prolific romantic fiction writers of the Victorian era. She was also an early sweetheart of Sir William Schwenck Gilbert. Annie Hall Thomas was born on 25th October 1838. The only daughter of George Thomas, a gentleman officer from County Cork and lieutenant … Read More
The mighty English oak tree
When it comes to instantly recognisable trees, the English oak has to be top of the tree. It’s one of the most common tree species in the UK and possibly one of the best-loved too. So, what makes the oak such a special tree? Here’s our compilation of the top ten facts about this wonderful tree. #1: It doesn’t produce … Read More
Squirrels at Grim’s Dyke
If you happened to be invited by Sir W.S. Gilbert, to a party at Grim’s Dyke during the Victorian era, you’d stand a good chance of seeing a squirrel or two, running around the grounds. Red squirrels were a common sight, in the 1800’s. Today, you will still see squirrels running around the grounds – but they’ll be of the grey variety. … Read More
Bushey Heath Cottage Hospital
Both Sir W.S. Gilbert and his wife Lucy, were actively involved in local affairs and Bushey Heath Cottage Hospital was one of the benefactors. Sir William was Honorary Secretary there and would hold charity performances to raise funds for it. Lady Gilbert, would arrange Christmas entertainment and parties, usually involving conjurors, magic, tea and sandwiches. The Bushey Heath Cottage … Read More
10 things to look for, when booking a romantic wedding venue
When it comes to weddings, some women grow up with firm ideas about how their perfect day will look. For many, their wedding day needs to be the most romantic day of their lives, based on the fairy-tale stories of princes and princesses they grew up with. It’s no wonder then, that booking a romantic wedding venue for this fairy-tale day is top of … Read More
The hobbies and interests of W.S. Gilbert
W.S. Gilbert enjoyed indulging in his hobbies and interests, whilst at Grim’s Dyke. He not only found them creative and inspiring, they bought him closer to his family and allowed him to spend time in the grounds at Grim’s Dyke – something he loved dearly. Grim’s Dyke – one of Gilberts greatest hobbies Grim’s Dyke wasn’t only his home, it … Read More
Rosencrantz and Guildenstern: A time when W.S. Gilbert was king
Known for having a genuine affection for amateur actors, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was keen on performing as an amateur actor himself. He would occasionally write short plays to be used as charity performances and to raise funds for local hospitals. Frequently, he’d encourage his friends and colleagues to become part of the performing cast and Gilbert himself, was also known to take on the odd acting … Read More
10 things you didn’t know about W.S. Gilbert
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert was best known as a dramatist, librettist, poet and illustrator. His Savoy Operas with Sir Arthur Sullivan made him renown, even to this day. However, there are some things that you may not have known about W.S. Gilbert – here’s 10 of the most interesting: #1: W.S. Gilbert had the Dickensian habit of wearing a red … Read More
With this ring, I thee wed… The history of the wedding ring
Wedding rings are a traditional part of the modern wedding ceremony. They’re most often worn on the left ring finger to indicate that the wearer is married, although in some countries it’s worn on the right ring finger. For many couples, one or both partners have made the decision to not wear a ring at all, making it an optional, rather than … Read More
The Hooligan by W.S. Gilbert
Produced just four months before W.S. Gilbert’s death, this one-act play was a grim, yet powerful play. It was a study of a young condemned murderer, waiting in a prison cell for his execution and was inspired by the celebrated Crippen murder trial of 1910. One of Gilbert’s most successful serious dramas Gilbert focused on showing sympathy for the villain, … Read More