Wedding trends for 2019 are both plentiful and encouraging. For many, the royal weddings of 2018 highlighted an uprising of simple, classic elegance. For others, those same weddings were seen as a sign of change – with old traditions and stereotypes being broken, replaced with more diverse options. Here’s our rundown on the top wedding trends for 2019. Colour – … Read More
The Kitchen Garden in May
Summer is finally making an appearance. For the gardeners among us, it’s one of the busiest months, as the plant growth increases and the weather keeps us on our toes! Sunny warm days inevitably bring on rapid growth in the kitchen garden, just as with other gardens and lawns. However, the warmer weather also encourages the weeds and garden pests … Read More
Top 10 things to see in London’s West End this summer 2019
You cannot book a stay in or around London, without treating yourself to a West End show. The entertainment district around Leicester Square and Covent Garden is known for being a buzzing hive of colour, sound and top West End theatres. Here’s our rundown of the top 10 things to see this summer, in London’s West End. Mamma Mia! This … Read More
The Saint TV series
British mystery spy thriller, The Saint premiered on the ITV on 4th October 1962. Starring Sir Roger Moore as the main character Simon Templar, The Saint aired for six series – a total of 118 episodes. Simon Templar was a wealthy, Robin Hood-like criminal who always left a calling card at his crimes – a stick figure of a man … Read More
Grim’s Dyke and it’s Outlander connection
Whether it’s for period dramas or modern soaps, films or popular TV series, Grim’s Dyke has long been used as the perfect backdrop and location. It’s also had an influence on popular TV drama series Outlander – but that connection is not one you may initially think it to be! Author Diana Gabaldon, the writer of the Outlander historical time … Read More
Doctor Who: The Evil of the Daleks
Known for being one of the lost episodes of Doctor Who, The Evil of the Daleks was the season finale for series four of the popular TV series. Consisting of 7 episodes, each only 25 minutes long, filming took place during the month of April.The Evil of the Daleks was then broadcast on 20th May 1967 – with the remaining … Read More
The History of Mother’s Day and Mothering Sunday
Every year children around the world show their appreciation for their mothers, by presenting them with cards, flowers and gifts. For the those in the UK, the date for this ‘Mothering Sunday’ changes every year – falling this year, on 31st March 2019. However, for many, this special celebration is frequently referred to as ‘Mother’s Day’ – but they’re actually … Read More
Victorian Architects Ernest George and Harold Peto
From September 1890 until the end of that year, Sir William S Gilbert supervised the various internal alterations he wanted to be completed at Grim’s Dyke. He employed architects Ernest George and Peto to do the work, as they had a prominent reputation in London and had also designed his London home in Harrington Gardens. Various changes were made, including … Read More
Grim’s Dyke and its fascinating connection to Bletchley Park
Grim’s Dyke has an expansive history and is one of the most notably active sites in Harrow. Not only does it have a connection that goes back to the first years of the very first century, it’s also an important site of historical interest, due to the Anglo-Saxon earthworks known as Grim’s Ditch, its rich architectural connections to the architect … Read More
Share in Lady Gilbert’s love of roses, with this brief history
Roses are one of the most popular garden shrubs in the world. They’ve been grown since early civilisations, being grown in ancient Babylon, as well as in Chinese, Egyptian and Greek gardens, as far back as 500 BC. Lady Gilbert had a particular fondness for roses. She created a beautiful sunken rose garden within the grounds of Grim’s Dyke and … Read More