Mrs Beeton’s Dinner table Setting During the Victorian era, Sir William Schwenck Gilbert and his wife, Lucy, hosted some amazing dinner parties at Grim’s Dyke. They were the talking point of local society, not least because the family lemurs often made an appearance! Victorian dinner parties were all about status, refinement and attention to detail – and Lady Gilbert excelled in these areas. If … Read More
Architecture of the Gothic Revival
Originally, the word ‘Gothic’ was used as a derogatory statement, to illustrate architecture that ‘spoiled’ or ‘ruined’ the look of existing buildings – however, it went on to be a massive influence to the architects of the Victorian era, including the likes of Richard Norman Shaw, who went on to design Grim’s Dyke. The Gothic revival of the 18th and 19th Centuries, started in … Read More
Charles II – from Soho to Grim’s Dyke and back again
Built in the 1670’s, Soho Square was the place to live in London. Originally named King’s Square for King Charles II, it was a highly fashionable place to be and at its centre, was a grand statue of the king. Designed by Danish sculptor Caius Gabriel Cibber, the King Charles II statue formed part of the centrepiece fountain, erected in … Read More
Grim’s Dyke’s History: Frederick Goodall
In 1856, the (then) 170-acre Grime’s Dyke site was bought by renowned artist, Frederick Goodall. The original Grime’s Dyke earthwork ran across the site, so the fosse was dammed at one end, to make an ornamental stretch of water in the grounds. He’d purchased the Harrow Weald land from the Marquis of Abercorn, but was unable to start building a … Read More
Harrow Whisky Festival
Harrow Whisky Festival: 15th January – 16th January 2016 Set in the stunning location of Grim’s Dyke hotel, Harrow Whisky Festival features product from over 40 distilleries – making it a must-do event for every whisky lover! Grim’s Dyke hotel contributes so much more than a stunning setting for this festival though, it also has a well-stocked whisky bar, one … Read More
The Curse of the Crimson Altar
Since 1961 (when we first appeared in an episode of the TV series, The Avengers), The Grim’s Dyke has often been used as a TV and Film location. It’s not surprising with our beautiful Victorian appearance, typically English interior, and stunning location and grounds (oh, and did you know we apparently have a resident ghost?). In 1968 it was used … Read More
What’s happening in Grim’s Dyke Gardens in autumn
Autumn is quite a busy time for all gardeners and here at Grim’s Dyke, it’s no different. Autumn is the time to clear away, tidy and of course, to plant those spring bulbs. We’re also taking the opportunity to tidy out the borders – digging up annual plants and planting up winter flowerers such as Violas and Wallflowers, as well … Read More
Halloween at Grim’s Dyke
Halloween has been celebrated in Britain for centuries and, although some of the traditions have been borrowed from America (pumpkin carving and trick or treating), the foundation stone of Halloween is firmly planted in Britain. But what are the origins of Halloween – and how much of it is still distinctly British? Celtic festival of Samhain Halloween is firmly rooted … Read More
MacMillan Coffee Morning at Grim’s Dyke
Each year, the cancer support charity MacMillan Cancer Support host the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning and, this year, we at Grim’s Dyke are proud to be supporting this great cause. MacMillan Cancer Support is one of Britain’s largest charities. They know how devastating a cancer diagnosis is to both patients and their families – and 1 in 3 people will … Read More
Catuvellauni Tribe and the Dyke
Take a walk around the grounds of Grim’s Dyke and you’ll see what remains of an ancient Dyke running through our woodlands. The Dyke has a long and speculative history. It is said to have originally been built in the 1st Century by the Catuvellauni tribe to defend against the Romans – but that the very people it was built … Read More