The Gilbert & Sullivan collaboration ran from 1871-1896. The duo produced a total of 14 Savoy Operas, but the relationship had reached breaking point, leading them to part company. W.S. Gilbert In the years that followed, Gilbert continued to write, even after he’d announced his retirement from the theatre. Gilbert’s first solo play was in 1897. Entitled ‘The Fortune Hunter’, it unfortunately … Read More
Great Crested Newts found in Grim’s Dyke
The Great Crested Newt has been in decline during the last century, so we are incredibly lucky to find them, both in our waterways and in the lake, here at Grim’s Dyke. Great Crested Newts are the largest of the UK’s three native species, growing up to 17cm in length. Their decline is, in part, due to the deterioration and … Read More
W. S. Gilbert and his menagerie of animals
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