Castle/History Archives - Raby Estates https://www.raby.co.uk/interest/castle-history/ Thu, 19 Feb 2026 10:55:19 +0000 en-GB hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.1 Dragon Quest, Interactive History and a Space Adventure for February Half Term https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/02/18/dragon-quest-interactive-history-and-a-space-adventure-for-february-half-term/ Wed, 18 Feb 2026 15:03:18 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=15344 Families can travel through time and space this February half term in a series of new activities across Raby Estates. At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a time-travelling adventure awaits at the servant school in the medieval castle, designed to provide a hands-on way for children to explore history and experience the day-to-day jobs of […]

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Families can travel through time and space this February half term in a series of new activities across Raby Estates.

At Raby Castle, Park and Gardens, a time-travelling adventure awaits at the servant school in the medieval castle, designed to provide a hands-on way for children to explore history and experience the day-to-day jobs of a castle servant over 100 years ago.

Families can venture through the 14th century castle and have a go at some special tasks along the way – from household chores to helping the family prepare for supper. Children can also complete activities on the complimentary trail sheet to earn gold coin stamps and be given their very own wage slip at the end.

Tim Dodgson, Public Engagement and Learning Coordinator at Raby Castle said: “Around 1.5 million people worked in domestic service in 1900, from regular households to palaces and castles. And surprisingly, it offered opportunities for a varied career and progression. You could start as a scullery maid or stewards room boy and work up to the senior roles of Housekeeper or Butler, with a whole variety of jobs along the way.

“We’ve brought to life many of these important roles and people from Raby’s past in the restored rooms on our castle tour, but our servant school will shine a light on Raby’s history for our younger visitors and ensure learning about history is even more fun. It’s going to be a fantastic addition for the February half term alongside the return of our themed castle explorer tours.”

Another journey to the past awaits at Raby’s woodland adventure playground, The Plotters’ Forest. For the first school holiday of 2026, Raby has created a world of wonder in its new Dragon Quest, with clues dotted around its immersive play area that young knights and dames will need to find as they dash through.

Children can enjoy plenty of outdoor fun as they explore the woodland route at The Plotters’ Forest, featuring musical instruments, talking tubes, mischief mirrors, a giant memory game, spinning signposts, towers, climbing ladders, a slide and treetop tunnels.

Throughout the castle grounds, complimentary daily activities include seed sowing inside the greenhouse in the Walled Gardens, where children can also run through the series of unique mazes in the formal garden, and a winter gardeners’ walk and talk led by one of Raby’s expert gardeners. Visitors can also marvel at the red and fallow deer being fed in the scenic Deer Park at 10.30am on the weekends.

The Vinery Café will be serving delicious lunches throughout the half term as well as a pancake topping station until Friday 20th February, followed by a waffle topping station from Monday 23rd to Friday 27th February for those who are looking to get creative with their desserts in the afternoon. Families can also head to the Garage Café and the Plotters’ Pantry for hot chocolates and sweet treats.

Over at High Force Waterfall, a 30-minute drive from Raby Castle, families can explore all things astronomy for the half term with a new space adventure trail, whilst visiting the natural phenomenon renowned for some of the darkest skies in the country.

Space-themed clues and facts will be discovered when wandering through the winding woodlands and families can tick them off on the complimentary trail sheet along the way to reveal the mystery word.

Andrew Lindsay, general manager at High Force Hotel and Waterfall said: “We host our sell-out Stargazing Suppers at High Force throughout the winter months, and our family stargazing sessions also proved to be extremely popular last October.

“Building on this theme, we can’t wait to introduce our space explorer trail for the half term, which I’m sure will spark curiosity in the young space cadets who visit, as they enjoy the perfect way to explore the wonders of the night sky, during the day. We hope to see many of the families visiting the waterfall at the hotel too, as they take a moment to treat themselves to some lunch after their inter-galactic adventures.”

High Force will continue to run its family saver ticket for the February half term, which admits two adults and two children to the waterfall. This ticket is £10 when purchased online, or £12 onsite.

Raby’s Family Explorer ticket is available for £60 when purchased online and provides two adults and two children with access-all-areas, including the new activities at the castle and the Plotters’ Forest and entry to Raby’s picturesque Deer Park and Walled Gardens. Alternatively, the Family Explorer ticket can be purchased at Raby on the day for £65.

The pancake and waffle topping stations in The Vinery are £5.95 per child, with adult options also available.

All activities run through to Sunday 1st March, with the Dragon Quest trail extended until Sunday 29th March. For further information and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/whats-on/

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The Woman who saved Raby? https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/02/17/the-women-who-saved-raby/ Tue, 17 Feb 2026 16:21:30 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=15313 The post The Woman who saved Raby? appeared first on Raby Estates.

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Lady Grace will be celebrated at a special tour of the Castle on the 8th March 2026 – International Women’s Day.

This tour will focus on her life at Raby and the spaces she helped to create around the Castle.

Click HERE to book tickets.

Lady Grace Fitzroy The Women Who Saved Raby tour with Raby Castle's Archivist this International Womens day

by Joseph Reed, Archivist

Raby has been home to many remarkable women over the centuries. Some from the Neville family are among the most famous individuals to have ever lived in the castle, such as Cecily Neville (the ‘Rose of Raby’) and her mother Joan Beaufort. Many of those more recent female residents have rightly become more recognised through research over recent years, shared through the ‘Women of Raby’ events: Anne Monson for her pioneering botanical work, Anne Vane (mistress of Frederick, Prince of Wales) for her artistic endeavours, and Catherine, 4th Duchess of Cleveland as an historian and author.

However, this International Women’s Day, Raby will celebrate one woman who has received little limelight: Lady Grace Fitzroy. Recent discoveries in the archives suggest she was largely responsible for saving the castle, and setting it on the course to become the historic home seen and enjoyed today.

Raby’s Fateful Destruction

Lady Grace was born in the highest social circumstances, the granddaughter of a king. Charles II had a son by his famous mistress Barbara Villiers, Duchess of Cleveland. The boy, named Charles (‘Fitzroy’ – meaning ‘king’s son’), was recognised by his father and made Duke of Southampton. Lady Grace was the duke’s eldest surviving child, born in 1697.

Nothing is yet known about Grace’s childhood and younger life. When Grace was a teenager, the Vane family at Raby was enduring a tumultuous time. Though she would not have known it, these circumstances were setting in train the project which would dominate most of her adult life: the destruction (and restoration) of Raby Castle.

Visitors to Raby today learn about the irreconcilable rift that formed between Christopher, 1st Lord Barnard and his heir Gilbert, which led to Lord Barnard hiring 200 workmen in 1714 to destroy Raby Castle and render it uninhabitable. The buildings were left with no complete roof, nor windows or doors, and the estimated repair bill ran to thousands of pounds.

The Women Who Saved Raby Internation Womens Day 2026
The Women Who Saved Raby Internation Womens Day 2026 1

Gilbert successfully sued his father to stop the destruction of his inheritance, with an order in 1716 to repair what had been done. However, when Lord Barnard died in 1723 limited repairs had been undertaken (or none at all), and the castle continued to languish in a largely ruinous state.

In September 1725, Lady Grace married Henry Vane, heir to Gilbert 2nd Lord Barnard. On their marriage, Gilbert settled upon the couple the lands around the castle, perhaps with the hope that they might one day live there. In 1726, Gilbert’s younger brother (who had been the main beneficiary of their father’s will) was sued to complete the repairs on the castle their father had been ordered to undertake.

Work began, and a surviving date stone presumably marks the successful completion of the restoration of some or all of the South Range in 1729, with a fragment of the monogram of Henry and Lady Grace. The couple would live at the Castle for around the next 30 years, overseeing its gradual repair and turning it into the fashionable Georgian home, fit for an Earl and Countess (as they would become).

Grace as Administrator, Project Manager, Art Collector

By contemporary accounts, Lady Grace was a formidable woman. Recent research in the archives is beginning to demonstrate that while Grace worked in partnership with her husband, some regarded it as an unequal one. One unsympathetic observer, closely involved with the Vane family at the time, frustratedly remarked that Henry ‘has no notions but what he receives from Lady Grace’.

Grace’s brother, the 3rd Duke of Cleveland & Southampton was widowed in 1742, and he also came to live at Raby for periods of time. Grace became the key administrator between her brother and husband’s financial arrangements, and directed their agents. She used this position, combining the funds of both men to enable the restoration of the castle and development of the parkland around, turning Raby from the semi-ruinous castle in the 1720s into a restored fashionable Georgian country seat by the 1750s.

Grace was far more than just a managerial force. She handled and annotated (and presumably directed) the architectural plans as work progressed. She was also an astute acquirer, commissioner, and creator of artistic works, buying tapestries and paintings to adorn the walls of the castle (some of which still survive).

Lady Grace’s drive and energy to transform the Castle over many decades may have saved it, when after its destruction the Vanes might easily have started afresh elsewhere. When her son inherited Raby in 1758, around three decades after she and Henry had begun their great restoration, the castle was wholly transformed.

The Women Who Saved Raby Internation Womens Day 2026

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Your February Half Term Rainy Day Itinerary https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/02/10/your-february-half-term-rainy-day-itinerary/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:13:41 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=15212 Don’t let the rain stop you this February Half Term with a whole host of indoor activities at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens spanning across two weeks from 14th February to the 1st March. These dates include Scotland, Yorkshire and County Durham half-term holidays, making for the perfect rainy day out in County Durham. Your […]

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Don’t let the rain stop you this February Half Term with a whole host of indoor activities at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens spanning across two weeks from 14th February to the 1st March. These dates include Scotland, Yorkshire and County Durham half-term holidays, making for the perfect rainy day out in County Durham.

Your morning

11am – Wanted: Half Term Helpers Raby’s Butler and Housekeeper are on the lookout for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to become a part of the Castle team in the complimentary Servant School Tour.

11.30am – Stay indoors and take part in the Servant School Children’s Trail, exploring the rooms of Raby Castle, completing tasks to gain your stamps for your wage slips.

Midday

12.30pm – Head to the Vinery Café for a cosy break with hot drinks, brunch, lunch or afternoon tea while watching the rain through big windows. It’s one of the most atmospheric indoor stops on site — perfect for warming up and recharging. You might even get to indulge in delicious pancakes at the select-your-own-topping station. If you did want to head outdoors we do have a complimentary Gardeners Walk and Talk at 12pm – meet you at the Round House.

Your Afternoon

1pm – Wander around the Coach House Shop & Exhibition, a friendly indoor space with curated giftware, local products, homeware and so much Jellycat with a dedicated children’s section.  Browsing here can be a fun half-term activity when it’s wet outside, explore the exhibition, projection table and the horse you might find in the stables…

1.30pm – Ready to brace the drizzle? Take an Adventure to The Plotters’ Forest Adventure Playground and take part in the Dragon Quest Trail located within a Christmas Tree plantation it provides a lot of shelter from the rain and even a pit stop pantry for a hot drink.

2.30pm -Next stop the Green House in the Walled Gardens for complimentary seeding sowing with a member of the Garden’s team and if you are feeling extra brave, head to the expansive deer park and if you can spot these incredible mammals often close by to the ponds or venture around the stunning walled gardens.

3.30pm – Last hot chocolate shop of the day? The Garage Cafe offers the perfect selection located outside the Coach Yard.

USE CODE FEB10 on Family Explorer Tickets, which gives you access to all attractions and trails, including Raby Castle, Deer Park, Walled Gardens and The Plotters’ Forest.

Family Explorer (2 Adults 2 Children) £60 online £65 onsite | Adult £21 Online £22 onsite | Child £11 Online £12 Onsite | Under 4’s Free

BOOK NOW

 

 

 

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Vote for Jimmy for the National Tourism Superstar https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/02/10/vote-for-jimmy-for-the-national-tourism-superstar/ Tue, 10 Feb 2026 13:58:29 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=15209 A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open. 87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten finalists shortlisted nationally in the Tourism Superstar award, which celebrates […]

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A much-loved volunteer guide at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens is representing County Durham and the wider North East in VisitEngland’s prestigious national Tourism Superstar competition, with public voting now open.

87-year-old Jimmy Nicol, a volunteer guide at Raby Castle, is one of just ten finalists shortlisted nationally in the Tourism Superstar award, which celebrates individuals working in tourism who go above and beyond to create outstanding visitor experiences while championing England’s diverse destinations.

Jimmy secured his place in the national finals after being crowned Durham Tourism Superstar 2025, an annual award organised by Visit County Durham, Durham County Council’s tourism service. He was nominated by a colleague at Raby Castle in recognition of his infectious enthusiasm, dedication and the ambassadorial role he plays not only for Raby, but for County Durham and the North East as a whole.

The national shortlist features finalists from destinations across England, including Norfolk, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, with Jimmy proudly flying the flag for County Durham alongside fellow North East finalist Dan Monk, Director of Astrophotography at Kielder Observatory in Northumberland. He is widely regarded as one of the UK’s leading experts in night sky photography and has played a key role in showcasing Northumberland’s world-class dark skies to a global audience.

Jimmy joined Raby Castle as a volunteer in 2018, where he shares the castle’s fascinating history with visitors and supports major events across the estate, becoming a familiar and friendly face for thousands of visitors each year.

Duncan Peake, CEO at Raby Estates, said: “Jimmy’s dedication to both Raby Castle and County Durham is evident in everything he does. It is the enthusiasm and commitment of people like Jimmy that has helped establish County Durham as the popular visitor destination it is today.

“I would encourage everyone across the county and the wider North East to show their support and vote for Jimmy in the national Tourism Superstar competition.”

Michelle Gorman, Visit County Durham’s managing director said: “Jimmy is a fantastic example of the people who make County Durham such a special place to visit. His warmth, knowledge and genuine passion for Raby Castle and the wider county leave a lasting impression on everyone he meets. We are incredibly proud to see him representing County Durham on the national stage and wish him the very best of luck.”

Jimmy Nicol said: “Winning the Durham Tourism Superstar award was a wonderful feeling, and to now be representing Raby Castle and County Durham at a national level is a huge honour. Raby is a place that means a great deal to me, and I’m incredibly proud of the county and the region. To be nominated alongside such fantastic finalists is a real privilege.”

The winner of the national Tourism Superstar award is decided by public vote. Voting is open until the end of English Tourism Week (13–22 March 2026), with the overall winner announced later in the year at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026.

VOTE HERE 

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Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2026/02/09/exotic-woods-in-the-furniture-collection-at-raby-castle/ Mon, 09 Feb 2026 15:12:59 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=15129 The post Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle appeared first on Raby Estates.

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Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle

Raby Castle’s partnership with the Furniture History Society (FHS) as part of the British and Irish Furniture Makers Online (BIFMO) research programme continued this year thanks to the financial support of the Iris Foundation, with another project bringing together students from across the globe. While previous students have looked into the secrets of our Week’s Cabinet The secret of the Thomas Weeks Cabinet and Raby’s links to a Cleveland House in London Reimagining interiors- Dining in Style, this project considered the origins of materials used to make key pieces of furniture in the collection at Raby Castle.

Ana Maria Orobio Pinzon

Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle

Introducing Ana Maria, Jessamy and Rosaleen

Three students were awarded an internship over the summer of 2025 to collectively research the trading history of wood materials, their import into Britain, and how this linked to individual items in Raby’s collection. The chosen students were drawn to the project because of their interest in understanding how the story of Britain’s colonial past, and the corresponding expansion of trade in global materials, is woven throughout decorative arts and historic interiors in ways that are not always visible.

Ana Maria Orobio Pinzon is a second-year student in Decorative Arts, Design History and Material Culture at Bard Graduate Centre in New York, with a varied background in Art History and technical woodworking in Colombia.

Jessamy Harvey has recently completed her Masters in Decorative Arts and Historical Interiors at the University of Buckingham, and also has a PhD in Spanish Cultural Studies. Her previous experience in research and records management was useful for her visit to the Raby archives, where she tried to better understand how some of the historical furniture at Raby found its’ way into the collection.

Rosaleen Williams currently works at Temple Newsham House in Leeds, and has completed her Masters in Art, Gallery and Museum Studies. Rosaleen’s particular interest is in ‘hidden histories’ that can be unveiled by documents and furniture.

‘For each of us, this project has allowed us to understand more about the links between economic history and historical furniture. Thanks to this project, we can now draw connections between disparate parts of the world and Raby Castle and we hope visitors to the website enjoy taking this global journey too.’

Furniture Collecting at Raby Castle

Raby Castle holds a rich and varied collection, thanks to the generations of Vanes who have lived here since it was purchased by Sir Henry Vane the Elder in the 1600s. It has seen three main periods of significant restoration, which implemented different styles within the interiors of Raby based on tastes of the time.

One such period was led by Henry Vane, 2nd Duke of Cleveland, who employed architect William Burn to work on the south front of the castle. Much of the collection of exotic woods at Raby Castle was contributed by the 2nd Duke, who was owner between 1842-1864.​ He commissioned high-quality furniture from leading British cabinetmakers, including Gillows of Lancaster, Holland & Sons and Morant. This included the commission for decoration and furniture for the Octagon Room in 1848 (subject of a previous BIFMO project- The history of the Octagon Drawing Room.)

Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle
Exotic Woods in the Furniture Collection at Raby Castle

The project

Through this project, Raby wanted to gain a better understanding of our furniture collection, particularly those made with materials which might have travelled across the globe and represented the methods of trade and transportation within the furniture making industry.

The students identified research questions to focus on, including:

  • Why are materials classified as exotic woods?
  • Where do these woods come from?
  • How and when was its trade important, and what was the wider political context at the time?

They combined wider research with looking into our historic inventories and archives, before compiling this into an interactive website. The website includes an interactive map of the geographical origins of some of the exotic woods found in the collection, a timeline of the wood trade and how this aligned with the European colonisation of territories in continents such as America, Africa and Asia, and an analysis of some pieces of furniture in Raby’s collection to help understand more about the collecting interests of Raby’s residents.

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Servant School Family Tour with a Special Guest https://www.raby.co.uk/events/the-roles-of-raby-tour/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:27:23 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?post_type=raby_event&p=15097 Raby’s Butler and Housekeeper are on the lookout for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to become a part of the Castle team. This interactive experience will take you around the castle to learn about the different jobs the workforce had to do during the year 1900. See where a Scullery Maid might spend her days washing pots, […]

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Raby’s Butler and Housekeeper are on the lookout for enthusiastic, hardworking individuals to become a part of the Castle team. This interactive experience will take you around the castle to learn about the different jobs the workforce had to do during the year 1900. See where a Scullery Maid might spend her days washing pots, where a housemaid would have carried coals upstairs to light fires, where the servants gathered to eat their meals and practice laying tables. Do you have what it takes?

Numbers are limited on these special family tours where you will go back in time under the watchful eye of our friendly Butler or Housekeeper to see if you want to join the ranks of the Raby workforce. Which job would you like to do?

This special tour is for curious children (age 7+) and their accompanying adults, and will be approximately 1 hour in length. Tickets also provide all day access to Raby Castle (including Servant School), Deer Park & Walled Gardens.

Access: Please note that accessibility inside the Castle is limited due to the historic nature of the building.

Sign up on the day from the Round House 

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Lady Grace Fitzroy | The Woman Who Saved Raby Tour https://www.raby.co.uk/events/lady-grace-fitzroy-the-women-who-saved-raby/ Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:11:02 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?post_type=raby_event&p=15083 Lady Grace Fitzroy – The Woman who saved Raby Tour Step inside a story long overshadowed and learn more about the remarkable woman who helped shape the Raby Castle we know today. Join us on International Women’s Day for a brand‑new, never‑before‑seen tour uncovering the life and legacy of Lady Grace Fitzroy, granddaughter of Charles II, whose vital […]

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Lady Grace Fitzroy – The Woman who saved Raby Tour

Step inside a story long overshadowed and learn more about the remarkable woman who helped shape the Raby Castle we know today.

Join us on International Women’s Day for a brand‑new, never‑before‑seen tour uncovering the life and legacy of Lady Grace Fitzroy, granddaughter of Charles II, whose vital role in rebuilding Raby Castle has only recently been rediscovered in our archives.

Despite her status, Lady Grace’s achievements were hidden for centuries behind the reputations of her male relatives. Now, new research is shining a spotlight on her determination to restore Raby following its period of ‘destruction’ during the famed family feud.

Guided by Joseph Reed, Raby’s Archivist, this exclusive tour will take you through the artworks, rooms, and original records that reveal how Grace – the 1st Countess of Darlington – sparked a Georgian renaissance and set Raby Castle on its path to becoming the historic home we celebrate today.

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Raby Castle to open for new Christmas Experience for the first time in 50 years https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2025/10/14/raby-castle-to-open-for-new-christmas-experience-for-the-first-time-in-50-years/ Tue, 14 Oct 2025 11:21:17 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=13648 Raby Castle will be opening its doors during the festive period for the first time in five decades to show the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard. This will be a chance for visitors to experience how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas at the Castle and see the rooms […]

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Raby Castle will be opening its doors during the festive period for the first time in five decades to show the castle decorated for Christmas, designed by custodian and creative director, Lady Barnard.

This will be a chance for visitors to experience how the Vane family enjoyed Christmas at the Castle and see the rooms beautifully decorated as they would have been in the past, the family’s traditional gifts, flowers and sumptuous Christmas trees.

The journey will take visitors through eight rooms on the ground floor, telling the story of Christmas Day at the castle, from the early morning thrill of opening a Christmas stocking to an evening of elegant dining and Christmas games, featuring an impressive table setting ready for a spectacular festive meal.

Lady Barnard said: “I have had a wonderful time collecting these beautiful pieces from Christmas past as well as my present family traditions, bringing to life our personal and honest telling of how our ancestors would have celebrated the day right here at Raby Castle all those years ago.”

This special seasonal installation, available on selected dates from Saturday 22nd November to Sunday 4th January, will also include never-before-seen items from the collections at Raby Castle.

Lady Barnard added: “I have been discovering even more about Raby’s past and delving into cupboards to find bits and pieces which haven’t been seen in years. Our family would have made many of the decorations themselves and foraged in the grounds for foliage, and it’s been a pleasure emulating this beautiful and sustainable way of decorating.

“This is the first Christmas we’ll be decorating the castle and for those that know Raby will appreciate that working at such scale can be daunting, but the team and I have given it careful thought over the year and feel we have really complimented the essence of Raby. I’m also keen for it to have a personal touch for our visitors – that’s why my team and I will be dressing the rooms ourselves. I hope our visitors see the personal touches throughout.”

A bespoke introductory film, based on the format of the much-loved poem ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’, will also feature in the House Keeper’s Sitting Room to set the scene and tell the story of that period, before visitors embark on their journey through the rooms.

Julie Biddlecombe-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “We’ve researched the Raby archives in detail to ensure our Christmas Day telling is as accurate as possible, focusing on the early 1900s. We’ve looked at the Christmas cards the family gave each other, the toys received by the three boys who lived at Raby at the time and their gifts to their parents, what the family would have eaten on the day and the type of wine that would have been served. We even have gift boxes with labels detailing who the present was from and the year, meaning we’re able to provide a truthful snapshot of the family’s festive experiences.

“We haven’t guessed any of the details, and what our visitors will see is something that is true to Raby and an honest portrayal of an Edwardian Christmas – one that Lord Barnard’s great grandfather would have experienced.”

Raby Castle at Christmas will be available between 10am and 4pm and visitors can round off their day at Raby Castle, Park and Gardens with a festive afternoon tea at The Vinery.

A candlelit experience will also take place on Saturday 13th and 20th December, where visitors can experience the elegantly decorated castle rooms in a different and magical light, followed by late night shopping for festive gifts at Raby’s retail space, the Coach House.

Tickets to Christmas at the Castle are £22 for adults, £7 for children (up to 15 years) and a family ticket for two adults and two children is £55. Under fours go free. These tickets include entry to Christmas at the Castle and access to the Walled Gardens and Deer Park.

For tickets to Raby Castle at Christmas, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/raby-castle-at-christmas/. An early bird ticket rate featuring a 10% discount with code RCC10 is available for tickets purchased before 31st October.

To find out more about Raby Castle, Park and Gardens and all that is on offer for Christmas, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/christmas/

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Raby Castle is stepping into the middle ages with a Horrible Histories Takeover https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2025/10/07/raby-castle-is-stepping-into-the-middle-ages-with-a-horrible-histories-takeover/ Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:04:31 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=13586 Raby Castle is turning back the clock to the measly Middle Ages with a Horrible Histories takeover this autumn. Inspired by the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, and publishing by Scholastic, Raby is shining a light on the gruesome history of the medieval fortress with a new installation available […]

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Raby Castle is turning back the clock to the measly Middle Ages with a Horrible Histories takeover this autumn.

Inspired by the bestselling books written by Terry Deary and illustrated by Martin Brown, and publishing by Scholastic, Raby is shining a light on the gruesome history of the medieval fortress with a new installation available from Saturday 4th October to Sunday 9th November.

As visitors journey through the 14th century castle, each room will contain new information about the castle in medieval times, including some surprising historical facts from Raby’s past, as told Horrible Histories style!

Julie Biddlecome-Brown, curator at Raby Castle, said: “It’s been fascinating delving into Raby’s legacy from the Middle Ages, looking back at a time when Raby was a castle, rather than the family home and historic house it became centuries later.

“Our special Horrible Histories tour will allow visitors to see Raby Castle in a way they’ve never seen it before, drawing inspiration from the much-loved books that continue to inspire new generations of history fans.”

Throughout October half term, Raby’s expert team of guides will be on hand once a day to take families round the castle and point out the grim and grisly parts of the medieval fortress.

Julie adds: “Our gregarious guides will be drawing attention to parts of the castle that you might normally walk by, but at the time would have had a very different – and sometimes staggering – function.”

The servant’s hall will be transformed into a hands-on space packed with activities exploring medieval life including period costume items to try on and photo opportunities, as well as the chance to test out stocks and discover some surprising medieval crimes and punishments.

A Horrible Histories trail sheet can also be collected, which families can complete during their time-travelling trip round Raby Castle, as they are guided through a cast of memorable characters including powerful nobles and pitiful peasants.

Families can make the most of their day out with Raby’s Family Explorer ticket, providing access to the Horrible Histories inside Raby Castle, Deer Park, Gardens and The Plotters’ Forest. Book online in advance to enjoy discounted rates as the Family Explorer Ticket (two adults and two children) is £60 online or £65 when purchased on-site.

Additional adult and child tickets to Raby Castle, Park and Gardens can also be purchased separately.

To find out more about Raby Castle and its Horrible Histories takeover, and to book tickets, visit: www.raby.co.uk/events/horrible-histories-takeover-at-raby-castle/

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New partnership brings Durham University research to life at Raby Castle https://www.raby.co.uk/blog/2025/09/10/new-partnership-brings-durham-university-research-to-life-at-raby-castle/ Wed, 10 Sep 2025 09:45:30 +0000 https://www.raby.co.uk/?p=13236 Durham University and Raby Castle have formalised their already productive collaboration, connecting world-class research with one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites. The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which builds on almost a decade of close work between the Raby Estate and the University. It reflects a shared ambition to […]

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Durham University and Raby Castle have formalised their already productive collaboration, connecting world-class research with one of the North East’s most iconic heritage sites.

The institutions have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) which builds on almost a decade of close work between the Raby Estate and the University.

It reflects a shared ambition to combine cutting-edge research with real-world impact in heritage, environment, energy, and community engagement.

The collaboration has been shaped by longstanding academic and curatorial relationships.

Durham students already undertake work placements at Raby, giving them invaluable experience to boost their employability, while Raby benefits from their expertise.

The students often work on initiatives that engage with the community, reflecting a shared commitment to making research more accessible and inclusive.

Durham researchers work with Raby staff on projects that draw from the rich archive material and the topography of the historic estate.

The partnership is underpinned by two of Durham University’s flagship Strategic Research Fund programmes: Smart Soils and Heritage 360.

Through Smart Soils, Raby is a key partner in advancing practical approaches to achieving Net Zero within the agricultural sector.

Meanwhile, Heritage 360 positions the estate as a ‘living laboratory’ for natural and cultural heritage research.

This includes ecological modelling and archaeological investigation to the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections at the Raby Estate.

The partnership also has strong links to the University’s Durham Energy Institute, with exciting potential for exploring geothermal heat sourcing from the estate’s former lead mines.

A centrepiece of the relationship is the extensive, internationally significant Raby archive.

It offers exceptional material on the late 17th and 18th centuries, including recipe collections, estate records, and a remarkable set of medieval seals from the Vane estates in Shropshire.

Engagement and outreach are central to the Raby-Durham partnership.

This includes collaborative exhibitions at Durham University’s Oriental Museum and co-created events such as the popular Raby Redcurrant programme.

The Raby Redcurrant initiative exemplifies the partnership’s blend of science, history, and community.

It involved Durham researchers and Raby staff tracing the origins of the famous redcurrant to Raby Castle, working with local gardeners, historical food specialists and scientists.

Manuscript recipes from Raby’s archive were transcribed and analysed by Durham postgraduate students, then brought to life through projects such as the Eat Medieval series and the Raby Redcurrant Day School.

Lord Barnard, Custodian of Raby Castle, said: “I am delighted to have agreed this MoU with our Friends at Durham University.

“Our strong ties provide opportunities for academics and students to explore how our landscapes, buildings, collections and heritage can engage and benefit current and future generations.”

Professor Karen O’Brien, Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, said: “This Memorandum of Understanding cements a deep and valued relationship between Durham University and Raby Castle.

“It reflects our shared commitment to learning, sustainability, and community engagement.

“Together, we will continue to advance innovative research and share our discoveries to ensure that our heritage continues to inspire and inform generations to come.”

Professor Giles Gasper, Deputy Executive Dean (Research) in the Faculty of Arts and Humanities at Durham University, added: “Our collaboration with Raby Castle and Estate is of longstanding and rich with future possibilities.

“The privilege of being able to work across archives, collections, and estates, and with Raby colleagues, brings rare and special opportunities to develop research projects together.

“The interdisciplinary and inter-sector possibilities are exciting, and we’re looking forward to working in partnership to raise the profile of our collaborations.”

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