Creative gardener and artist Becky Crowley has been appointed as assistant head gardener in the remodelled 18th century Walled Gardens here at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
The revitalised 300-year-old Walled Gardens, which feature three different gardens encased within the historic brick walls, reopened in summer last year following a collaboration between Lady Barnard, creative director and custodian of Raby Castle, and world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei.
Introduced by Luciano, and with a specialism in cut flower gardens, Becky will work alongside our gardens and landscape manager Dickon Harding and his team to ensure the vision for the five-acre space is fulfilled.
Becky said: “Every garden naturally takes on a life and soul of its own and our priority is to make sure we understand Lady Barnard and Luciano’s overall vision. We will be working closely with Luciano to nurture his design and help develop this as the gardens and plants mature.
“It was a great experience to work with Luciano and his team on the development of the cutting garden at such an early stage, and now I am really looking forward to seeing it all flourish in its first full year. There’s also a gentle understatement within the overall space and the planting.
“The opportunity to work with such a friendly and welcoming team in a place steeped in history doesn’t come along very often at all – it really is the whole package – and I feel very fortunate to be working here.”
Luciano and Lady Barnard have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded. The East Garden is home to a flower garden of grasses and perennials above the tiered grass amphitheatre; the Formal Garden is where our guests can see the historic Raby Yew hedge; and the productive West Garden is dedicated to growing an abundance of flowers for cutting.
Dickon added: “The Walled Gardens have always been a special place but the remodelling by Luciano and Lady Barnard has produced something even more wonderful. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey so far, from overseeing the construction phase to now looking after and nurturing the gardens and I am really looking forward to seeing how the plants and spaces develop and welcoming visitors to this beautiful ever-changing space throughout the seasons.”
Lady Barnard led the Walled Gardens project, which was part of the major two-year restoration development here at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens to create a new lifestyle destination in the north east, and believes the gardens can be a cultural and calming retreat for visitors.
Lady Barnard said: “The gardens have been inspired by Raby’s heritage however now incorporate contemporary planting, Amelanchier woodlands and a series of unique mazes, as well as a tiered grass amphitheater where people can relax as they look out to the castle and enjoy musical and theatrical events.
“It was a joy to work with Luciano on this project – his talent shines through and I think green fingered visitors, and those not so adept in the garden, will appreciate his planting schemes which are just inspired!”
Award-winning garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, who was selected as garden designer of the year in the House & Garden Design Awards 2024, is one of Britain’s most successful garden designers and the newly redesigned Walled Gardens at Raby Castle are his first public project.
Visitors in 2025 can also time their visit with a trip to the medieval castle itself between March and October and the Estate’s ancient Deer Park, home to two species of deer which have lived on throughout picturesque parklands and surrounding lakes.
Lady Barnard added: “I believe we have maintained the soul of the Walled Gardens and I for one can’t wait to welcome guests come throughout the different seasons, as they witness the ever-changing nature of this wondrous place.”
News
Charity Opening raises £2,241 for The Great North Air Ambulance Service
The Charity Opening raised over £2,000 for the fantastic local resource, Great North Air Ambulance Service
Visitors to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens New Year’s Day charity walk have helped to raise funds to support the work of a local charity.
Following the popular charity walk through Raby’s picturesque Deer Park earlier this year, over £2,200 has been donated to the Great North Air Ambulance Service which provides lifesaving and critical care services across the North of England.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estates said: “This is wonderful news to start the new year, and we hope this is one of many promising updates for the Great North Air Ambulance Service.
“The work they do is vital and I’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who came to our charity walk and donated.”
Throughout the rest of the year, the heritage destination will be raising funds for and awareness of the Great North Air Ambulance Service, which covers over 8,000 square miles across the North East, North Yorkshire, Cumbria and the Isle of Man and is ready to help anyone seven days a week.
Ben Sisson, specialist fundraiser at the Great North Air Ambulance Service said: “I am delighted that Raby Estates has chosen the Great North Air Ambulance Service as their charity of the year for 2025.
“This opportunity to work together and partner with such an iconic and much-loved Estate in the heart of our region will raise both vital and positive awareness about our charity and its service. It will also ultimately raise much needed essential funds to keep us being able to deliver our world class advanced pre-hospital medical care to the people of our region when they need it at their worst moments.”
“New Year’s Day has really helped to kick start this partnership and work together in a fantastic way and helped us really engage with the public in a personal and positive manner.”
News
Reimagining Interiors: Dining in Style
A project delving into Raby Castle’s links with Cleveland House, in collaboration with BIFMO (British and Irish Furniture Makers Online).
Today, Raby Castle is closed over winter for its’ annual deep clean, and historically the Vane family often spent the winter period in the warmer climates of the south of England. One of their former London residences was Cleveland House. This house was used during the heyday of the Vane family, when they were the Earls of Darlington and later Dukes of Cleveland. Whilst the original Cleveland House was demolished at the turn of the 20th century, Raby’s archives and collections give us an indication of how the house might have looked during the 1800s.
This blog and interactive website are the outcome of a collaborative research project hosted by Raby Castle and BIFMO (British and Irish Furniture Makers Online,) in which two students explored the history and significance of Cleveland House’s dining hall.
Two postgraduate students, Yan and Daniela, were awarded an internship over the summer of 2024 to research an aspect of Cleveland House and design an interesting way to present their findings. Daniela Díaz Blancarte is a second year MA student in Decorative Arts, Design History and Material Culture at Bard Graduate Center in New York City, and Yan Leung is a postgraduate student at the University of Leeds focusing on art galleries and museum studies.
Yan and Daniela are thrilled to present their research through an interactive platform which offers a creative way to gain a deeper understanding of the use and development of Cleveland House.
Ownership of Cleveland House
Whilst the origins of Cleveland House trace back to 1674, associations with the Vane family at Raby Castle begun around 1722. It was at this point the house was sold to Charles FitzRoy, Duke of Cleveland and Southampton. Charles was a son of King Charles II and Barbara Villiers, and father of Lady Grace FitzRoy who in 1725 married Henry Vane, later Earl of Darlington, and owner of Raby Castle.
After the death of Charles FitzRoy, Cleveland House passed to his son, William, who died without issue at Raby Castle while living with his sister and brother-in-law. Lord Darlington now succeeded Cleveland House, which would be passed down through the Vane family- who later also took the title Dukes of Cleveland- until the death of the 4th Duke of Cleveland in 1891 and subsequent demolition of the London residence.
A plan of St. James’s Square showing the Duke of Cleveland in residence at no. 19. Found in ‘The History of St. James’s Square (1895) Arthur Irwin Dasent, Macmillan and No.’
Cleveland House Interiors: The Dining Hall
Floor plans in the Raby archives show a large Dining Hall, a Ball Room, a Sitting Room and Study, a Silver Room and several bedrooms across four floors, along with a Coach House and laundry for more practical purposes. Inventories describe paintings on the walls of the Saloon, rosewood chairs and settees in the Drawing Room, and a Dining Room filled with crimson and mahogany.
Yan and Daniela chose to focus their project primarily on the dining hall of Cleveland House, one of the more well-documented rooms, which even allowed for some items to be traced to Raby Castle’s current collection.
The dining hall also stood out for its architectural grandeur and for its significance in the social and cultural history of the time. Dining areas were more than just a place for meals; they were a central space for displaying wealth, power, and hospitality. As the needs and functions of the household evolved, the dining hall might have been repurposed, but its original grandeur would have remained a key feature of the room. Cleveland House was described as ‘more curious in appearance than beautiful, though it still retained some vestiges of its original splendor’ by Arthur Irwin Dasent in 1895.
Pages from an Inventory of Cleveland House from 1864 showing the contents of the Dining Room. Raby Estates.
A plan of ‘the Great Dining Room at Cleveland House for the Rt Hn Earl of Darlington’ by John Carr. Raby Estates.
Continue your curiosity
Visit the Interactive Website
If you'd like to find out more about this fascinating project, Yan and Daniela have created a fantastic interactive website where you can do just that! Delve into the history, design and social role of Cleveland House’s dining hall, and see how Yan and Daniela have re-imagined archive sources to create a visual representation of this once impressive space.
5 Reasons to Get Married at High Force Hotel & Waterfall
The Perfect Wedding Venue Awaits at High Force Waterfall
When it comes to your wedding day, the setting should be just as extraordinary as the love you’re celebrating. Imagine exchanging vows in front of a cascading waterfall, surrounded by breath-taking natural beauty. High Force Waterfall, nestled in the heart of the North Pennines, offers an exclusive venue where nature, elegance, and unforgettable memories come together.
This unique venue provides the ideal backdrop for both intimate and grand celebrations. Whether you dream of an outdoor ceremony by the falls or a sophisticated gathering in the elegantly designed Garden Room, High Force brings your vision to life. Every detail is carefully crafted to ensure a seamless and refined experience for you and your guests. From thoughtfully designed rooms to exceptional food and service, this venue offers the perfect balance of comfort and style.
With exclusive use of the venue, you and your guests can enjoy complete privacy, creating a relaxed and intimate atmosphere. It’s a place where you can focus on what truly matters — the love you’re sharing and the memories you’ll make together.
5 Reasons to Choose High Force Hotel & Waterfall for Your Wedding
1. A Unique, Stunning Setting
High Force Waterfall offers a breath-taking natural backdrop, where the beauty of the waterfall enhances the romance of your wedding day. Set in the North Pennines, this location promises a scenic and unforgettable setting.
2. A Venue for Every Season
Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant blooms of spring or the cosy charm of a winter celebration, High Force is perfect year-round. Each season offers a different, yet equally stunning atmosphere for your wedding.
3. Tailored to Your Vision
From a riverside ceremony to an intimate indoor celebration, High Force is adaptable to suit your personal style and vision for the day. The venue’s flexibility ensures that your wedding is truly your own.
4. Exclusive Use
With exclusive venue hire, you and your guests can enjoy complete privacy and tranquillity. This ensures that your day is as intimate and special as it deserves to be.
5. Luxurious Accommodation
End your day in one of High Force’s beautifully designed en-suite rooms, where the rustic charm of the country meets modern comfort. A peaceful, luxurious space to unwind and reflect on your perfect day.
Plan Your Dream Wedding at High Force
At High Force, we don’t just host weddings — we create experiences that last a lifetime. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty and enhanced by elegant facilities, your wedding will be everything you’ve dreamed of.
Now booking for 2025 and 2026, High Force offers the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding. Contact us today to start planning the day you’ve always imagined, and let us help you create memories that will last forever.
Three years ago, Raby acquired the old NatWest Bank building at 28 The Market Place, Barnard Castle, to create a link between the Market Place and the Castle at Barnard Castle, which lies to the rear of the premises. The project aims to bring into use the Outer Ward of the Castle, to enhance the Castle’s profile and contribution to the economic life of the town. 28 Market Place offers a potential gateway and resource. The Castle at Barnard Castle was built soon after 1093 on a dramatic site above the River Tees. The Castle was built to control a river crossing between the Bishop of Durham’s territory and the Honour of Richmond. Much of the present Castle was built during the 12th and early 13th centuries by the Balliol family. From the 14th century onwards, the Castle belonged to the Earls of Warwick, and from 1471 to 1485 to the Duke of Gloucester, later Richard III. After a fierce siege during the Rising of the North in 1569, when the Castle was bombarded by rebels, the Castle went into steep decline and was effectively abandoned by the early 17th century. It has remained an imposing ruin ever since.
Ownership of the site is complex but much of the Inner and Outer Wards are owned by Raby with the Inner Ward being occupied by English Heritage Trust under a series of Guardianship Agreements. Working with partners such as Cultura Trust, Durham County Council, English Heritage Trust, Historic England and Barnard Castle Town Council, we now hope to raise the profile and footfall of the Castle as a tourism asset for visitors and amenity for residents. This should in turn improve the economic, cultural and social connectivity between the Castle and the town.
The project is intended to introduce public access to the Outer Ward of the Castle, an area of about two acres in the heart of the town, which currently has no use and therefore delivers no tangible benefits. We are currently considering and consulting on alternative uses for this area to test and conclude on those most viable, sustainable, and beneficial, recognising it is part of the Castle’s scheduled monument. By bringing the Outer Ward into public use we also hope to fill a gap in the historical and archaeological understanding of the Castle in the context of life in the town, and ultimately attract funding for the repair of the curtain walls overlooking the river. This is with the aim of removing the Castle from the Historic England Heritage at Risk register. We hope to make public engagement an integral part of all activities through consultation and volunteering opportunities, which will help to inform the business case and build capacity for future sustainability.
We also believe we should explore options for creating direct access into the Castle and/or a resource for activity in the Outer Ward as well as increasing the cultural, community, economic and tourism value of the Castle for the town. To this end, we are planning to devise and test the viability of a residential ‘guildhouse’ for traditional skills training and heritage learning in the disciplines required to support the Castle, historic town and associated sites, including showcasing skills demonstrations and providing career and employment support, especially for marginalised and disadvantaged groups. The project is in its early stages, but we look forward to keeping you updated on progress.
News
Climb of Life 2024
Raby Estates supports an annual charity event to raise money for the Institute of Cancer Research by participating in a “Human Mountain Endeavour” on the Lakeland fells. Last year a team of 12 walkers from Raby successfully completed a trek in the fells around Helvellyn and raised around £7000.
One third of us will be touched by cancer in our lifetime. The Institute of Cancer Research https://www.icr.ac.uk/ is a charitable academic working body with over 300 scientists and has taken more drugs into clinical trials in the last decade than any other organisation worldwide. We are therefore proud to be supporting such a worthy cause once again this year.
This annual event involves teams from businesses located across the north of England ascending Lakeland’s highest mountains in early winter conditions.
The event has raised more than £1.8 million for the Institute and other charities over the past 36 years. This year’s event takes place on Friday 15th November and with your help we would like to make this another record-breaking year. Each team will be allocated a mountain route for the day and Raby has been allocated the Buttermere fells to the west of Keswick.
If you would like to help them raise much needed funds for The Institute of Cancer Research, please see our Just Giving link
Many thanks indeed to all our supporters for your generous support for this year’s ICR Climb of Life Appeal. 17 climbers and assorted dogs made up the Raby team having been assigned the fells around Buttermere as our challenge this year.
Unfortunately, weather conditions weren’t quite as favourable as last year, and Friday 15th November dawned to low cloud and persistent drizzle. This did not dampen our spirits and after gathering in Buttermere village, the team moved off to ascend Red Pike, Buttermere and then onto High Stile and High Crag before our descent back to Buttermere Lake and the village. There were some glimpses of sunshine towards the end of the day but mostly the weather continued as it had started, and we were all rather bedraggled by the time we returned to the cars in the late afternoon.
This year’s event raised just over £91,000 overall for ICR and I am pleased to confirm that we made one of the largest single team contributions of just over £5,000.
This year’s grand total means that this annual event has now raised over £1.80 million during the 35 years that it has been taking place with over £1.1 million raised for the Institute of Cancer Research during that period. This, of course would not have been possible without your generous support. All of us at Raby are therefore enormously grateful to you. Many thanks once again for your support and your donation.
News
A Raby Rumpus Rages Through the Castle Grounds this Autumn
TICKETS ON SALE TO JOIN A RABY RUMPUS THROUGH THE CASTLE GROUNDS THIS AUTUMN
A right rumpus is about to hit the North East this autumn as Raby Castle, Park and Gardens launches tickets to a never seen before spectacle of live music, dance and captivating puppetry, which all comes alive after dark.
Taking over the grounds of Raby Castle to provide an immersive and unforgettable new experience this autumn, tickets to The Glittering North are now available for selected dates throughout October and into early November.
Celebrating the region’s Norse and Viking heritage in a raucous adventure like no other, the event brings to life iconic figures from the past with enchanting puppetry and illuminating light art.
From Gullinburstin, a boar with bristles made from gold that light up the sky, to Sleipnir, a giant illuminated horse with eight legs – visitors of all ages can mingle with these fascinating figures before settling down for tales of folklore and myth.
The remodelled 18th century Walled Garden will be home to the ‘trail of the north’ full of illuminated photo opportunities, a glittering immersive space dripping with gold, giant illuminated fish in a new watery world and a spectacular recreation of the northern lights.
Sophie Brown, sales and events manager at Raby Estate said: “The change from summer to autumn marks the start of cosy nights with hands warming round a mug of hot chocolate, fiery clusters of red and orange as the trees change colour and crunchy leaves beneath your feet.
“Our captivating new event provides a festoon lit and atmospheric autumnal celebration, full of feasting, warm blankets, torchlight and fire processions, designed to set imaginations alight in a spectacle never seen before in County Durham.”
Alongside the ‘trail of the north’, the Dutch Barn will be adorned with lights, flags, bunting and barrels. Whooping and whirling folk musicians play fiddles and brass whilst captivating fire performers dazzle the crowds.
The Riding School will also become a transformed space in this mythical new world, surrounded by warm lighting where visitors can hunker down and listen to tales of Norse gods and shapeshifting beasts.
Extend your autumnal evening and embrace the sunset views of Raby Castle from the new Vinery café restaurant. The glasshouse will be open throughout the evening to provide delicious food and warm drinks. The beautiful autumn and Christmas range will be available to browse in the new retail space in the Coach House featuring a range of high quality, artisan items.
Tickets to step into The Glittering North at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens can now be booked for the following dates: 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, 30th, 31st October and the 1st, 2nd, 3rd November with tickets available from 4pm – 8pm.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Hotel placed among the top 10% of listings around the world
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and High Force Hotel have both been recognised in Tripadivsor’s® Travelers’ Choice® Awards for 2024.
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens in Staindrop and High Force Hotel in Forest-in-Teesdale, which are both part of the Raby Estate, have scooped up the award which honours businesses that consistently earn great reviews, placing them among the top 10% of listings around the world on Tripadvisor.
High Force Hotel is a rural retreat with ten individually designed en-suite rooms and its own restaurant which serves locally-sourced food all day – including many produce from the Raby Estate.
Located in the scenic Upper Teesdale adjacent to High Force Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in England, just across the road, the hotel provides an escape to the country for its guests, including four-legged friends.
Andrew Lindsey, the general manager at High Force Hotel said: “This award means such a lot as it is based on the feedback our visitors provide following their stay so a huge thank you to everyone who has taken the time to share this. Not only does their insight help to demonstrate what future visitors can expect, but we can also closely monitor this to ensure our guests continue to have the best experience possible.
“I’d also like to thank our amazing team who work incredibly hard to make sure everyone has a wonderful time during their stay with us. Nothing is too much trouble for the team and I feel immensely proud of their dedication to look after our guests so brilliantly.”
Raby Castle, Park and Gardens has recently opened its new lifestyle destination, offering visitors an all-day experience with acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.
Following the development, known as ‘The Rising’, visitors can now enjoy The Vinery Café Restaurant, The Coach House shop and exhibition, remodelled walled gardens and magnificent historic event spaces.
This was the largest restoration project in decades with an extensive renovation of existing historic buildings and the sympathetic addition of two impressive new buildings, all thoughtfully tied together with newly landscaped and meandering walkways.
The historic castle, located near Staindrop, completed the first phase of its redevelopment plans in 2022 with the opening of its woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest, which has become a firm favourite with families in the area and visitors from further afield.
Alan McKerchar, general manager at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens said: “The news of this latest award win is wonderful to hear, especially as this comes from positive feedback from our visitors.
“What a tremendous year it’s been for Raby Castle as we welcomed visitors to our new leisure destination. The whole design has been thoughtfully put together with our visitors’ experience as one of the biggest priorities and we can’t wait to see their ongoing feedback now that everyone has so much more to see, enjoy and do at Raby Castle.”
As the world’s largest travel guidance platform, Tripadvisor has unparalleled authority with travellers and diners. This award is based on genuine feedback from anyone in the community who has visited and left an authentic, first-hand review on Tripadvisor over a 12-month period, making it a valuable and trustworthy designation of great places to visit.
“Congratulations to High Force Hotel and Raby Castle, Park and Gardens on their recognition in Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards for 2024,” said John Boris, Chief Growth Officer at Tripadvisor. “Travelers’ Choice honours businesses that consistently demonstrate a commitment to hospitality excellence. This means you have made such a memorable impact on your visitors that many of them took the time to go online and leave a great review about their experience. People rely on Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice seal to help them navigate the myriad of things to see, eat and do across the globe. We hope this recognition continues to drive business to you in 2024 and beyond.”
Tickets to access Raby Castle which is currently open Tuesday to Sunday between 11am and 4pm, can be purchased online in advance. An adult ticket is £18, a child ticket is £10 and a family ticket is £55 which also provides access to the Park and Gardens. More information can be found on the website www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/
To book a stay and for further details about High Force Hotel, including information about its summer escape offer, visit: www.raby.co.uk/high-force/hotel
News
Discover Your Families New Favourite Lifestyle Destination
Looking for the perfect family day out this summer? Look no further than Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens. Nestled in the heart of the picturesque County Durham countryside, Raby Castle offers a full day of fun for visitors of all ages.
This summer, families across the North East can enjoy a new visitor destination at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens.
Opening just over a month ago these magnificent new spaces offer families an all-day experience with acres of unexpected elegance, complete with heritage buildings, remodelled gardens, stylish shopping and local food that’s as fresh as it gets.
What’s On
Alice in Wonderland Trail
Come down the rabbit hole and enjoy a whimsical journey through The Plotters’ Forest with our brand new Alice in Wonderland Trail Sheet. Help Alice find all of the items misplaced by The Mad Hatter.
Complimentary trail sheet included in standard Plotters’ Forest admission
Kidsgo Free into Raby Castle
When you purchase a Plotters’ Forest ticket, kids go free into the historic Raby Castle! Dive into the past as you explore the majestic rooms and grand halls. It’s a journey through time that the whole family will enjoy.
Complimentary upgrade available during the booking process. Castle open Tuesday – Sunday.
Summer Events
At Raby Castle, Park, and Gardens, our daily activities are just the beginning. This summer, we have a packed event schedule you won’t want to miss.
We are excited to announce that we now offer complimentary activities on weekdays, all included in your standard admission tickets. Bring the kids along and enjoy a 1:30pm Family Explorers Tour at Raby Castle, where little adventurers can discover the rich history and secrets of the castle. Afterwards, join us at 3pm for Children’s Seed Planting, a fun and educational activity where kids can learn about gardening and planting.
There is so much to see and do across Raby Castle, Park and Gardens
The Plotters’ Forest
Get ready for a thrilling outdoor adventure in the Plotters’ Forest! Our playground is designed to spark imaginations and provide endless fun. Climb, slide, and explore in a safe and enchanting woodland setting.
Adult£13.00 | Child £10.00 | Under 4s Free
Purchase The Plotters’ Forest, Park and Gardens Tickets HERE
The Deer Park
Take a leisurely stroll through our serene
200-acre Deer Park, where majestic red and fallow deer roam freely.
Don’t forget to pick up a Raby Adventure Booklet and keep your eyes peeled for exciting discoveries throughout the parkland.
Our recently remodelled Walled Gardens are a must-see attraction, especially with the addition of new mazes in the formal garden, which have quickly become a favourite with children.
When hunger strikes, head to The Vinery, where you can enjoy a delicious meal while taking in panoramic views of the stunning Raby Castle. Our children’s lunch packs, available hot or cold, start from just £5.95 and include a variety of nutritious and tasty options that kids will love.
The Coach House Shop
No visit is complete without a stop at The Coach House Shop. It’s the perfect place for children to spend their pocket money on a wide selection of toys and souvenirs. Find the perfect memento to remember your day at Raby Castle.
The Coach House Exhibition
Don’t miss the Coach House Exhibition, which is free to enter! Discover the wider Raby Estate and learn more about the rich history of Raby Castle. It’s an educational experience that’s both fun and informative.
High Force Waterfall
Why not also visit the High Force Waterfall, which is also located on the Raby Estate? This breath taking natural wonder is a must-see. This summer, we’re excited to introduce a brand new Folk and Fairytales Trail for the children. Once upon a time in a land, not so far away, the fairy tale creatures have come out to play, see if you can find them on your walk today.
You might have spotted a cart hanging in the lobby area of the Coach House, which is home to Raby’s new shop and exhibition space. A particular favourite of the Raby team, this cart was primarily for recreation rather than a means of transport, and evidence in our archives and collections show that it was well used and loved.
These smaller carts, which were lightweight and suited for one rider, were often referred to as a ‘chair’ or a ‘whiskey’. They were named after the ability of the cart to whisk someone around and quickly pass by other carriages. A ‘curricle’ was a similar vehicle used by young men about town, and due to their speed and manoeuvrability acted as a kind of early sports car. In contrast, the one at Raby was used at a more leisurely pace when traversing large parks and gardens in fair weather.
This emphasis on leisure can be seen in the build of the cart. The caned seat and plush leather cushion would have offered a comfortable ride, and the leather guards protected the rider from mud splatters from the wheels. The front board- known as a dashboard- prevented them from being splashed with dirt ‘dashed up’ from the horse. It was also helpful for making sure they wouldn’t have to see the horse’s rear! The holder at the top of the dashboard was for resting the reigns, and the holder to the side of the chair was for a crop.
The makers mark on the wheel hub, ‘Davis & Sons, Battle’ gives some indication as to the origin of the cart.
Battle Abbey, now run by English Heritage, was the home of the 4th Dowager Duchess of Cleveland after her husband the 4th Duke died childless in 1891. The 9th Baron Barnard took over the running of Raby Castle, and the 4th Duchess moved to their other home at Battle Abbey. She still visited Raby, as seen in the castle’s visitor books.
We have a photograph in the collection of the 4th Duchess, in what appears to be our cart, in front of the entrance to Battle Abbey.
An inscription on the back of the photograph calls the cart ‘the donkey carriage’, and the 9th Baroness Barnard kept this tradition of using a donkey as her trusty steed. Here, Catherine Sarah is pictured in a similar position in front of Raby Castle, with a donkey held by a groom or a pony boy. The Lady Barnard used the cart for travelling around Raby’s parkland to areas such as Bath Wood.
A small shield seen on the back of the cart reads ‘CSB’ and includes the Baron’s Coronet.
The painted shield added by the Lady Barnard is just one indication that the cart was well loved. The cart is often seen in photographs, including this image from 1907 of the cart in front of a car rally, which provides an interesting contrast between the changing modes of transport at the turn of the century.
The cart can also be spotted in the Raby Castle visitor books, a place where visitors would recount their experiences when visiting the family. These photographs show the 9th Lady Barnard sharing the the cart with friends.
Lady Barnard’s frequent use of the cart is also shown in the 9th Lord Barnard’s pocket diaries. The cart offered increased accessibility to the outdoors at times when Lady Barnard was ill, prior to her death in 1917. The Lord and Lady Barnard would take walks around the park, with Catherine travelling her chair.
April 18th 1914: ‘Brilliant day… Went out with C. (pony chair) Lady Close Wood.’
The cart has now found a new purpose welcoming visitors into the Coach House. In preparation for its’ new position after time spent in storage, the cart required conservation treatment. Alongside a surface clean, areas of historic damage had to be managed and the leather seat had to be frozen as a preventative measure against pests. Leatherwork, such as the mud guards, was treated and restored, varnish on painted wood was reset, and active corrosion was removed from the wheels.
The positioning of the cart within the lobby posed the next interesting challenge. Raby worked with Ian Watson and his team at Open Format to determine the safest way to hang the cart, both for those standing beneath and also for the integrity of the structure. A bespoke hanging system was designed to ensure the weight was balanced in a way that was most natural for the cart.
We think the pony cart offers an impressive welcome to the Coach House, combining the new and interesting designs of the current Rising developments while still celebrating the heritage and use of the buildings.
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Acres of agricultural land, vast woodland, heritage landscapes and unique buildings all steeped in a rich history FIND OUT MORE ABOUT RABY
