W. S. Gilbert had spent thirty-five years being a professional writer, so the decision to retire was a hard one for him. However, retiring allowed him to enjoy the prestige and wealth he’d worked hard to achieve, and this left him free to spend his time at Grim’s Dyke, surrounded by his family and friends. It also gave himself, Lucy … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and the lemurs in his life
Sir William Schwenck Gilbert, most known for his ‘Savoy Operas’ in Victorian England, also had a deep love of animals, particularly his various pet lemurs. The English writer, composer, comedian, actor and singer George Grossmith, is stated as once overhearing Gilbert saying “Deer-stalking would be a very fine sport – if only the deer had guns.” The first lemurs of … Read More
Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Dinners
During the years that W. S. Gilbert lived at Grim’s Dyke, dinners were run firmly by Gilbert’s rules. He would always have a pretty woman on either side of him, something he immensely enjoyed and Lady Gilbert would gracefully tolerate. It wasn’t unusual for Grim’s Dyke dinner parties to consist of the family, guests, dogs and lemurs. This provided a … Read More
What’s happening in the Grim’s Dyke garden during April?
I’ve been speaking to the lovely head gardener at BEST WESTERN The Grim’s Dyke Hotel, Helenka. She’s been with us for 7 years now, and ensures our kitchen is kept topped up with only the best organic produce. Helena recently walked me around the kitchen garden and the orchard to show me what’s happening during April. Spring is in the … Read More