Q&A with Annie Garthwaite
We caught up with Annie Garthwaite ahead of her debut book launch to find out more about her heroine, the fascinating Cecily Nevill. Cecily was born at Raby Castle in the 15th-century and lived through the famous historical period of the War of the Roses. Born a Lancastrian, but a Yorkist by marriage, Cecily had […]
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The Betrothal of Cecily Neville & Richard Duke of York
We are delighted to be taking part in Historic Houses’ #MedievalMondays initiative, to share special stories and pieces from our collections at Raby. For our latest theme, Betrothals and Marriages, we caught up with Castle Curator, Julie Biddlecombe-Brown to explore one of the most famous betrothals connected with Raby. Read on to find out more… […]
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Historic Tiles Used in High Force Hotel Refurbishment
When High Force Hotel reopens on Monday 17th May, guests will notice a stylish new look in the bar and communal areas, bringing the interiors in line with the beautiful restoration of the Garden Room restaurant and function room, which was unveiled last year. The bar refurbishment is the final phase of work, which began […]
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Women of Raby – the Untold Story of Anne Vane: Talented Artist – Raby Estates
Anne Vane (1710-1735) of Raby Castle has been remembered through history as a royal mistress; a woman entangled in a doomed love triangle between Frederick, Prince of Wales, and his once-close friend, Lord John Hervey of Ickworth. Even more scandalous for her time was the fact that she bore two illegitimate children with the Prince. Like […]
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The Stories Behind Raby’s Oriental Ceramics Collection
Raby Castle regularly hosts research placements for students who are training for careers in heritage and curation. Despite the challenges of the past 12 months this tradition continued during 2020, albeit virtually, and we are delighted to share some of the fascinating stories about Raby’s oriental ceramic collection which were uncovered by a group of […]
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Behind the Scenes – The Octagon Drawing Room at Raby Castle
Each year during the winter months, many historic buildings close their doors to visitors. Raby Castle is no exception and after a busy festive period, the castle closes before opening again in the spring. Although the doors may be closed, this period is anything but quiet for the castle team, as work to care for […]
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The Tale of the Old Hell-Cat of Raby
In the early 18th-century an almighty family feud almost destroyed one of Durham’s best-loved castles. Christopher Vane, 1st Baron Barnard of Raby Castle, was said to be a quiet, book-loving man who liked his estates to be run in good order. He married Lady Elizabeth Holles, the eldest daughter of Gilbert Holles, Earl of Clare. […]
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Whatever Happened to Raby’s ‘Museum of Natural History’?
Visitors today might think of Raby Castle as a ‘museum’, but this is not the only time in its history where it has been considered as such. In the first half of the 19th century, Elizabeth (c.1777-1861)—the second wife to the 1st Duke of Cleveland (1766-1842)—compiled at Raby ‘a most curious Museum of Natural […]
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Favourite Things: Grand Painting with a Modern Message
As we continue our Favourite Things series, Senior Guide Keith Simpson shares his fascination with one of the most dramatic paintings in the Castle, ‘Marcus Curtius Leaping into the Gulf’ by Luca Giordano. This imposing piece of art takes pride of place in the dining room, where distinguished guests would have been entertained. Keith says: […]
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Our Favourite Things: A Personal Look at Raby’s Collections
Raby Castle is home to an incredible collection of art, artefacts and antiques which have been curated and cared for over many centuries. Everyone who is part of the Raby family, whether staff or volunteer, has their own favourite and over the coming weeks they will be introducing these to you on our blog and […]
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