Royal Highnesses, The Duke of Gloucester and Duchess of Gloucester visited County Durham, this week (13^th September), to recognise the region’s longstanding commitment to traditional skills training and heritage restoration.

As patron of the Cultura Trust, the national charity which has supported sustainable development and traditional values across cultural town and landscape development for over 50 years, The Duke of Gloucester, accompanied by his wife, The Duchess of Gloucester, spent time at Raby Castle as part of their day in the northeast.

Cultura Trust is currently leading a partnership between four leading organisations (Raby Estate, Durham County Council, English Heritage and the charity), to transform and secure the future of the castle at Barnard Castle, with plans to open up the outer ward and provide a new visitor centre and learning resource in the Market Place.

Raby Estates previously acquired a property in Barnard Castle’s Market Place, which formerly housed a NatWest bank branch. Currently undergoing repairs, the building will offer a great opportunity to link the marketplace and castle precinct. The inner ward of the castle, also owned by Raby Estates and managed by English Heritage under a Guardianship Agreement, is open to the public, and the hope is that the outer ward will also be reinstated for community use.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Both Cultura Trust and Raby Estates are providing continued support for the preservation of the region’s cultural heritage buildings, whilst also ensuring young people are learning the tools they need to succeed in a career in restoration and conservation.

Welcomed by Graham Bell, Cultura Trust’s director, and Raby Estates’ custodians, Lord and Lady Barnard, at Raby Castle, Their Royal Highnesses, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, began their visit with a presentation from a team of Croatian stonemasons, currently on a working visit to the UK organised by Cultura Trust.

“It was an honour to welcome Cultura Trust’s Patron, HRH The Duke of Gloucester, and HRH The Duchess of Gloucester, to County Durham today. This visit was a unique opportunity to introduce them to the Trust’s partners, locally and internationally”, said Mr Bell.

“HRH The Duke of Gloucester trained as an architect, so the visit focused on the value and ‘international language’ of traditional skills held in common by Cultura, Raby Estates, and trainers and students from the Stonemasonry School of Croatia.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition, the visit also included a presentation from Historic England’s geospatial team and members of English Heritage’s conservation team, showcasing the newly created 3D resources being used for conservation and tour interpretation of the castle at Barnard Castle.

Following lunch, their Royal Highnesses were escorted around Raby Castle’s landmark development The Rising, currently under construction in the grounds of the iconic castle.

The ambitious renovation and restoration scheme will provide hospitality, event and retail space outside the 700-year-old castle walls, for the whole community to enjoy. The tour around the 24 acre development, culminated in a walk around the recently completed eastern section of the historic Walled Garden, a beautiful garden for quiet contemplation crafted by Lady Barnard and world-renowned landscape designer Luciano Giubbilei.

Work in the garden, just a stone’s throw from the 14^th century castle, has included extensive planting, the introduction of topiary elements and the creation of a unique tiered grass amphitheatre.

Lord Barnard said of the visit: “As we move into the second year of The Rising development, we are proud to showcase Raby’s investment in heritage crafts and skills training to Their Royal Highnesses The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester. The Rising is a highly ambitious project, establishing a new tourism destination in the north of England, embracing and celebrating the restoration and conservation of our historical buildings.

“As part of our investment in the community, we are committed to providing continued training to revive past heritage crafts used in sustainable restoration, upholding the past, whilst embracing the best aspects of the present and future.”

The Rising development is due to open in late spring 2024. For more information, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/

International Dog Day | August 26^th

^{In celebration of all things canine on International Dog Day, we’re looking at some of our fav-FUR-ite relationships between the Vane family and their four-legged friends in Raby’s collections.}

 

The history of domesticating dogs spans thousands of years, and they have historically been used for working, hunting, and as lapdog companions for the elite. As pets began to be an accepted part of domestic life, they were seen as part of the family, regularly appearing in paintings and photographs. This portrait in the Baron’s Hall of Raby Castle shows Gilbert, the 2^nd Lord Barnard, with a spaniel at his side. Gilbert owned Raby Castle from around 1723 until his death in 1753.

 

 

 

Dogs were extremely popular pets during the Victorian period, admired for their loyalty and faithfulness, and helped along by Queen Victoria’s vast collection of dogs. Many were frequently mentioned in her journals, including Dash, ‘a spaniel of perfection,’ and Eos, who became Albert’s ‘constant and faith companion for ten and a half years.’

At Raby, the 4^th Duchess of Cleveland was often photographed with various pet dogs. In her Visitor Books, in which she encouraged guests to leave a contribution after their visit, there are frequent mentions of a particular dog, Norman.

After recording the death of her ‘dear dog, Bruno’ in October 1880, Norman first appears in October 1881 in a poem and drawing of ‘Norman de St Bernard’:

‘Of lofty mien, of lineage old,

Sprung of a race in duty bold,

Admired by all that on him look,

Behold his portrait in my Book.’

 

 

 

Norman then begins the next Visitor Book in November 1881, alongside a photograph of the 4^th Duke of Cleveland, and in a picture with the 4^th Duchess:

 

 

Norman was so popular, he found his way into a periodical magazine called The Animal World, with a story about his fear of Butchers.

 

 

The phrase ‘I am Her Grace’s Dog at Raby. Pray tell me Sir, whose Dog you may be?’ which according to the article was embossed on Norman’s collar, is a fun twist on an epigram Alexander Pope wrote in the 1730s, for a puppy he gave to Frederick, Prince of Wales. ‘I am his highness’s dog at Kew. Pray tell me, sir, whose dog are you?’

 

 

 

In a relatable scene, another photograph shows the 4^th Duchess vying for Norman’s attention, with the header ‘Unrequited Devotion.’

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A small watercolour from 1889 is the last we see of Norman, after over nearly 8 years of entries in the Visitor Books. In 1890 the Duke and Duchess didn’t visit Raby, and the 4^th Duke died in 1891.

 

 

 

 

 

Raby’s next Visitor Book was started in 1892 by the 9^th Lord and Lady Barnard, who inherited the castle and included their own fair share of dog related entries. A series of photographs in the Raby collection, from the early 1900s, also shows the 9^th Lady Barnard following the tradition of keeping and loving many dogs. In this album, each dog has been annotated alongside the family.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Raby’s loyal companions were remembered in touching ways by the family after death.

The 4^th Duchess, in her Handbook for Raby Castle from 1870, describes ‘A small plantation containing the gasometer, the brewhouse, and a cemetery for six little dogs belonging to Lady Augusta Poulett.’

Pet cemeteries became a popular way to commemorate beloved pets. A major public pet cemetery opened in the 1880s in Hyde Park, started by a burial of dog Cherry, whose owner used to walk her there daily. Over 1,000 burials took place before it became full in 1976, and during the 1900s more cemeteries opened around Britain. Others chose to create private cemeteries in their grounds, as Lady Augusta did at Raby. It looks to have grown significantly when this photo was taken in the late 20^th century, with one grave marker showing the date 1947.

 

 

(Photograph of the pet cemetery in Raby’s grounds, taken by Jack Walton, a Raby Joiner. With thanks to Ann Thorn. (late 20^th century)

 

 

 

Elizabeth, the 1^st Duchess of Cleveland at Raby had a different way of remembering her dog. Many visitors to Raby will remember Sally… in the form of a lap rug. Sally, a King Charles spaniel, was supposedly the favourite dog of the 1^st Duchess. Once displayed in the Ante-Library, Sally is now in safe storage for her own protection against pests and other damage.

 

In the present day, Raby welcomes your four-legged friends into the Deer Park, Yurt Café and Stables Shop. Situated where we are you will be spoilt for choice for ‘walkies’

Karl Hankey, our Project Manager here at Raby Estates has achieved a distinction after securing the highest of grades.

For the past five years Karl, has been responsible for a team who maintains and refurbishes properties across the Estate. The 41-year-old decided to return to Darlington College one day a week for two years and has just secured distinctions across the board in HNC building studies.

“When I was at school, I never thought I would ever be this well qualified, I thought I would just be a joiner all my life,” said Karl

“I was so pleased to be awarded distinctions across the board and do feel proud of myself. It has given me a massive sense of achievement and I would highly recommend life-long learning. I’m already taking everything I have learned back to my job on the estate. I’ve just started a Level 6 qualification in site management and hopes to do my Level 7 in site management soon after.”

“I didn’t want to stagnate and was keen to better myself so decided to go back to college. The construction trade is fast-moving at the moment, and I was keen to understand new techniques – you have to keep up with the times. I’m now pushing my staff to undergo extra training themselves.”

Karl originally wanted to be a joiner like his grandfather and after serving his apprenticeship in bench hand joinery he worked for a leading conservatory company during which time he travelled across the UK and Europe.

“I later spotted a position with Raby Estates as a maintenance manager and I absolutely love looking after and refurbishing its Residential Properties and Farms portfolio, some of which have been empty for decades and restoring the iconic buildings for future use. We are bringing them back to life in areas of outstanding natural beauty, which is very rewarding, while ensuring the estate retains a traditional look that is in keeping with the location.”

Karl has just overseen the complete refurbishment of grade 2* Hilton Hall making it habitable for modern day living. It started life as a medieval chapel of St Catherine’s Chantry to Staindrop Church, and has been extended over the 17th and 18th century.

“With properties, it is all about making them compliant, while reflecting their age and status,” he said. “We have to make them energy efficient, sustainable, which requires insulation, rewiring and replumbing, while protecting them as well and we have a great relationship with the council and conservation officers.”

Rising Development marks major milestone as work commences on the Vinery Café Restaurant

Raby Castle’s ‘Rising’ development has marked a major milestone as work commences on the estate’s new Vinery Café Restaurant. The new eatery, a stylish and airy recreation of the Victorian glasshouse which once stood in the same spot, will offer panoramic views to the castle and parkland on the horizon.

On completion, this reimagined dining venue, will welcome over 200 guests to enjoy seasonal and locally sourced food in the stunning historic surroundings.

The original Vinery glasshouse, housed in a former walled garden to the north of Raby Castle, was built in 1847 by Henry, 2nd Duke of Cleveland. As the name suggests, the Vinery was built for growing grapes, and housed a state-of-the-art ‘hot water apparatus’, consisting of an intricate arrangement of water pipes and stoves to provide warmth and protection from the unpredictable and often harsh north east climate. By the reign of Queen Victoria, in the late 1800s, four vineries flourished at Raby, and were in continued used until the early 20th century.

The new interpretation of the Vinery glasshouse will tell the story of its predecessor, artistically weaving retained features, such as the historic potting shed wall and reclaimed York Stone paving with new, thoughtfully sourced glass, ceramics and stone. Extensive planting and greenery will surround the restaurant, embedding it into the bucolic landscape.

The south facing, panoramic glass-fronted café will provide a beautifully designed and sun-soaked gathering space for over 200 visitors, and the opportunity to indulge in delicious, locally sourced food and gaze out across the Rising to the castle on the horizon.

Work continues elsewhere across this ambitious development, as planting takes shape within the 18th century Walled Garden and structural work continues on the Grade II listed Riding School, an iconic and unusual piece of architecture.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“We are delighted to mark this exciting chapter in the restoration and reimagining of our heritage spaces, a milestone in the Rising development,” says Claire Jones, head of leisure and tourism at Raby Estates. “The Vinery Café Restaurant will be one of the most beautiful buildings in the development, with its own character, embracing and celebrating its past. It will be enjoyed by almost everyone that visits Raby Castle and offers a unique space for all kinds of special events, which cannot be found elsewhere.”

“The setting we are creating reflects our distinctive and simple ambition, to offer unexpected elegance, thoughtful design and fresh, local food, in an unparalleled heritage setting, making the most memorable visitor experience”, concludes Claire.

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/

Over the past two days, Raby Estates has welcomed almost 300 children to step into the UK’s largest uplands classroom. As part of the Let’s Learn Moor initiative, taking place in seven locations across the north of England, 288 children from 10 schools across County Durham were invited to feel the spongey moss under their feet as they met the people and organisations helping to protect Raby’s stunning Upper Teesdale moorland and its species.

Coordinated by Raby Estates, Countryside Learning and the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC), the children, aged seven to nine-years-old, were led through the six stations, including:

• The Upper Teesdale Fire Brigade – showcasing its role in protecting the moors and the danger of wildfires.
• The Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) – explaining what makes a peatland and the peatland restoration projects currently underway in Upper Teesdale.
• Raby Estate’s game keepers – explaining the wild food chain, pest and predator control and habitat management
• The Northern Pennine Moorland Group – exploring the varied wildlife on the moors, from pests to game birds, predator and waders
• Esta Verman – a local chef, treating the children to delicious game delights, including venison sausage rolls, pheasant goujons & baked grouse.
• The Upper Teesdale Agricultural Society (UTAS) – showcasing the everyday life of an upland farm, including sheep rearing and the production of high quality wool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Let’s Learn Moor initiative is in its second year at Raby Estate, taking place at Coldberry Mine, the last working mine in Upper Teesdale

FREE ENTRY FOR CHILDREN AT RABY CASTLE THIS SUMMER

Raby Castle will be continuing the celebrations this summer with free entry to the castle for children with every valid ticket for The Plotters’ Forest until Sunday 3rd September. Raby will be bringing back its money-saving offer for families to enjoy throughout the summer holidays.

Raby has so much to offer this summer including not one but four complimentary trails across the Estate including Raby Castle and High Force Waterfall, letting children embrace the outdoors and learn about the history surrounding them in the most scenic settings.

 

 

Little imaginations can run wild at The Plotters’ Forest Adventure playground with the new trail ‘Pilot Penny’s Flying Visit’. Pilot Penny is on a summer adventure and has made a pit stop in the Plotters’ Forest. Unexpectedly, on landing, her luggage bounced out of the cabin and her belongings are now scattered all around! Can you help her find them so she can get to her next adventure? Tickets to the Plotters’ Forest also include access to the picturesque Deer Park surrounding Raby Castle, which will also be home to the brand – new Mythical Adventure Trail.

 

 

Within the castle walls, children will set off on Raby’s Royal Quest, the perfect to entertain and educate, as families learn more about Raby’s links with the Royal Family. From the Butler’s Pantry to the library, visitors will find answers to questions about these historic rooms as they venture around the medieval fortress.

 

 

 

This summer will also see the return of the arts to Raby’s iconic Deer Park. To commence the season, Heartbreak Productions will be bringing its open-air production of Jane Austen’s memorable Sense and Sensibility to the park on 22nd July, with the company returning in August with the family favourite, David Walliams’s Bad Dad.

In addition, visitors will be treated to the cinematic delights of celebrated films Elvis, Dirty Dancing and The Greatest Showman, courtesy of Adventure Cinema, throughout July.

 

 

 

Raby’s tractor and trailer rides will be returning this summer on selected dates, so families can journey across the parkland and soak in the scenery around them.

 

 

 

 

Over at High Force Waterfall, which is part of the Raby Estate, a new trail ‘Butterflies and Bumblebees’ theme continues the great outdoors celebrations. A series of clues will be waiting for discovery by intrepid adventurers along the waterfall’s scenic circular walk.

 

 

 

 

In addition, visitors will be sure of a big surprise on Sunday 30th July during High Force’s Teddy Bears’ Picnic Afternoon Tea, where families can spend the afternoon walking to the falls and enjoying the scenery.

High Force Hotel will then be waiting to greet them for a delicious ice cream and a selection of tasty treats and sandwiches. A prize will also be awarded to the best-dressed teddy bear.

 

 

To find out more https://www.raby.co.uk/whats-on/

MEMBERS ENJOY EXCLUSIVE FIRST LOOK AT RABY CASTLE’S REMODELLED EAST GARDEN

Two hundred Raby Castle members were given an exclusive first look at the remodelled East Garden on Wednesday 21^st June. Lord and Lady Barnard invited guests to view the first completed section of the 18^th Century Walled Garden which features a unique tiered grass amphitheatre.

The event allowed Raby’s members a sneak preview of the first phase of the exciting new design, carefully crafted by world-renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei, in close collaboration with Lady Barnard.

 

In addition to the accompanied walk through the magnificent garden, members were treated to a glass of English sparkling wine and the opportunity to speak to Raby’s custodians about the ambitious development programme taking place within the park, known locally as ‘The Rising’.

Situated just a stone’s throw from the 14^th century Raby Castle, home to the Vane family since 1626, work began in the eastern section of the Walled Garden in early 2022 and has included the creation of the tiered grass amphitheatre, and the planting of new borders and beds.

 

Lady Barnard, who is spearheading the rejuvenation of the Walled Garden, was thrilled to share this momentous occasion with the Raby members. “This preview of the East Garden is truly the first step in our thrilling journey to completion. The gardens at Raby Castle have always had huge appeal for visitors, and it was so important to us that we maintained its character and original features.

“Part of the scheme to improve the Raby visitor experience includes providing a space in which the public can relax and enjoy the picturesque surroundings. The addition of the grass amphitheatre has created a sunken performance area for enjoyment of the arts, but also for quiet contemplation.

“We have maintained the soul of the East Garden, embracing its provenance and memories, utilising the much-loved combination of herbaceous borders and trees. The space is framed by amelanchier woodlands, which will grow over time to create an intimate experience for visitors, as they stroll through the interspersed woodland under blossoming trees towards the open amphitheatre, with the castle framing the horizon.

“Evergreens and topiary have been introduced to reflect the balance of formality and informality within the structure of the garden, with Taxus hedging and Osmanthus cloud-pruned plants installed to create flow and mirror the form of the historical yew hedge in the neighbouring Formal Garden. We wanted to mix the soft textures of blossom from the amelanchier, with the evergreen structure, creating subtle impact and inspiration.”

 

The Formal Garden will comprise a series of unique mazes alongside the historic Raby yew hedge, with a graceful rill flowing north to south, adding the tranquil sounds and sight of water complementing this calm space. The adjacent West Garden will be the productive space, combining raised beds growing seasonal vegetables, a green house displaying hot house plants and a cut flower garden full of roses, peonies, dahlias and sweet peas.

 

Raby members will have exclusive preview access to the East Garden throughout the summer. “We are thrilled to have welcomed so many of our cherished members today and look forward to enjoying this beautiful new space with them this summer, in anticipation of the formal opening of the Walled Garden next year”, concludes Lady Barnard.

 

 

With so many exciting opportunities to be had at Raby Estate this season, a Raby membership is the best way to enjoy access to everything and anything Raby Estate has to offer*. The Raby membership begins from £15 per year for children from 4 to 12-years-old, £28 per adult, £25.00 per concession, with family passes starting at £80 (2 adults + 3 children), with benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall and 10% off at the Yurt Café, Stables Shop and High Force Hotel, in addition to access to the East Garden. A Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension is available.

 

For more information on Raby memberships, please visit www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/raby-membership/

 

For further information on The Rising, please visit: www.raby.co.uk/about-us/development/raby-castle-development/

 

*The memberships excludes special events.

To celebrate the first stage of the reimagined historic Walled Gardens at Raby Castle nearing completion. Lauren, Raby Castle’s Interpretation and Engagement Assistant has taken a dive into our collections to find some of our favourite floral items. The East Garden will be shared exclusively for members this Summer before the full scheme opens in 2024. This exquisite space, designed by Luciano Giubbilei comprises of a grass amphitheatre for outdoor events, with evergreen-bordered herbaceous beds set amongst interconnected paths surrounded by blossom – all in view of the spectacular sight of Raby Castle. To become a Raby Member https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/raby-memberships/

Botany book ‘The Flower Garden Display’

This beautifully illustrated book is from 1734 and depicts around 400 flowers, divided into chapters based on each month of the year. It describes the method of cultivation (whether they need to be grown in a greenhouse, for example) and the history of each plant.

The book claims to be useful not only for those ‘curious in gardening’ but also for painters, carvers, and ‘for the ladies, as patterns for working and painting in water-colours, or furniture for the closet.’

The book in Raby’s collection could have been for the latter, as an inscription on the title page reads ‘Katherine Lowther, her book, 1734.’ Henry Vane, 2nd Earl of Darlington married into the influential Lowther family through Margaret Lowther in 1757.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ceramics

This plate is part of a dessert serving set which is decorated with flowers, fauna and butterflies. They are made by Mintons, which was considered one of Europe’s leading ceramic factories during the Victorian period.

Interestingly, these items have evidence of historic repair in the staples holding the cracked plate together. Perhaps this set was well used and loved- or members of the household just couldn’t bear to throw them away.

 

Photograph: James Tullett and his gardening team

This photograph of Raby’s gardeners shows the size of the workforce dedicated to the walled gardens during the early 1900s. They were responsible for cultivating plants, being innovative with growing methods- such as using heat to grow more exotic plants- and producing food.

The gardening team were led by a Head Gardener, during this time James Tullett (the man sat in the centre with the impressive moustache.) He is mentioned in the Teesdale Mercury for winning several growing competitions, and a highlight of his career being the Royal visit of King Edward VII in 1905:

‘His Majesty went away with a bunch of the famed “Raby carnations” with him. This, of course, all stands to the credit of Mr J. Tullett, the head gardener.’

 

To celebrate the Coronation of King Charles, we’ve selected items from Raby’s collections to add to rooms around the castle. These represent different historical coronations and include copies of invites, commemorative magazines, and orders of service. Below are some highlights to spot when you visit, which will be on display in the castle until Sunday 3rd September.

At your service: Footmen uniforms

Footmen were employed to serve and attend to a family, both in the household and when travelling. The role was considered to be a luxury and status symbol; the uniforms in the Raby collection are designed with style in mind and to match the colours of the State Coach. They were also created for men of similar stature and build.

The uniform, or livery, consisted of jackets, waistcoats, knee breeches and stockings. The buttons were personalised, and depict the Vane family insignia.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Crowning glory: coronation decorations

These large decorations were made to celebrate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary, which took place in 1911 and was attended by the 9^th Lord and Lady Barnard.

The entire set consists of a G, M, two Rs (for Rex and Regina) and two crowns. They have hangers to hold red glass jars, which contained candles to light up the display.

While we don’t have any photographs of the decorations in use, the Teesdale Mercury reported that they were positioned at the entrance to the castle and were decorated with ‘fairy lamps.’ We can only imagine how long it would have taken to light all the individual jars!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A royal visit: William III of Netherlands portrait

This portrait shows His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange, who by unfortunate timing, discovered he was to become King of the Netherlands while visiting Raby Castle in 1849. After his coronation, he gifted the 2^nd Duke and Duchess with this portrait.

However, the Prince didn’t want to become King. William resented his Father, William II’s constitutional changes which he saw as limiting royal power. Upon hearing of his father’s death, William was reluctant to leave Raby Castle and return to his duties, and he repeatedly contemplated abdicating when his eldest son William came of age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These items will be on display until Sunday 3rd of September. Alongside this, we have a Special Tours: Raby and the Royal Family which explores the links between the Royal Family and Raby as well as an exclusive Spotlight on the Archives: Raby’s Royal Connections which provides a unique insight with the Castle’s very one Archivist.