You might have spotted two new characters dotted around the Round House, showcasing things to see and do around the Raby Estate. These were created by Edinburgh artist Lucy Roscoe, with inspiration taken from the collections and the history of the castle.
We have fondly named the pair Parker and Millard, after the Butler, Thomas Parker, and Housekeeper, Annie Millard, who worked at Raby Castle during the early 1900s. The Butler and Housekeeper were important figures in a historic house. They managed the workforce and were the face of the family, responsible for a visitor’s experience. They opened the doors, guided guests around when the family were away, and made sure they felt welcomed and cared for. We hope this represents the overall theme of the new Rising development. You can see the real Mrs. Millard in the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room, our new visitor welcome space in the castle.
The original sketch which inspired the two characters was found in one of the Visitor Books in the castle collections. Visitors during the late 1800s and early 1900s were encouraged to record their arrival and departure from the castle alongside a creative contribution, such as a poem or illustration. One visitor drew a sketch of a man pushing a woman around in a wheelbarrow, who appeared to be guiding the way with an umbrella, and this gave us the inspiration for Parker and Millard. We enjoyed the contrast of a whimsical scenario between two individuals in ‘formal’ clothing.
After further research, we realised that the figures drawn in the Visitor Book originally represented the 4th Duchess of Cleveland and the 9th Lord Barnard. During the year 1900 this was the current owner of Raby Castle and the dowager wife of the previous owner. Another depiction in the front of a visitor book by the later 10th Lord Barnard (son of the 9th Lord Barnard) shows a slightly different version of the image.
It is nice to know that the inspiration we took for these characters is rooted both in the family who owned the castle and those who worked here, while now representing something new to welcome visitors to Raby.
We were such a fan of Lucy’s work that it can now be seen all around the site, from the family trees and quotes in the Coach House, to the Housekeeper’s Sitting Room in the castle… and even on our signs for the loo’s!
