Raby Castle is set to reopen on Wednesday 1^st March 2023 with final preparations by the castle’s Custodian Team well under way, including winter maintenance and a conservation deep clean.

Volunteers have been hard at work, with copper cleaning in the Medieval Kitchen and book cleaning in the Barons’ Hall. Sandy, the castle’s new Housekeeper, has been a welcome addition to the team. She has spent the winter ensuring the castle is spotless and ready to welcome visitors back.

Eagle-eyed visitors will spot a different carriage in the Entrance Hall. Brought in specially to celebrate the royal coronation in 2023, this beautiful State Coach dates back to the early 19^th century and was used by the Dukes of Cleveland and later Barons Barnard when attending coronations and state events. This includes the coronation of Edward VII, attended by the 9^th Lord and Lady Barnard in 1902, when the carriage was re-painted with their coats of arms on the door panels.

The State Coach will stay on show in the Entrance Hall throughout 2023, for visitors to view whilst conservation work is taking place on the body and interiors. Conservators Bob Elsey and Laurie Endean-Olsen will be hard at work this spring, painstakingly repairing fabrics, removing the residue of discoloured polish and cleaning every inch of this elegant vehicle. This is just a taste of what’s to come, with other coronation exhibits and events to be announced shortly.

We cannot wait to welcome you back to one of the finest medieval intact castles in England.