Grimsthorpe Castle is a glorious amalgam of architecture from different eras, starting from the 13th Century.  Of note is the North front, the last masterpiece of the Baroque architect Sir John Vanbrugh.  Equally spectacular is the interior with its monumental Vanbrugh Hall, the Chapel and the Chinese Drawing Room with its bewildering mixture of classical, Rococo, Chinese and Gothic motifs.   We will be seeing numerous other rooms and the collection of furniture, pictures and clocks is of the finest.

 

In 15l6 Henry VIII gave the house to William Willoughby, 11th Baron Willoughby de Eresby, later Dukes of Ancaster and Kesteven, and it is still in this family’s ownership.  There is the added interest of many items which came to the family from the old House of Lords, received as a perquisite of holding the office of hereditary Lord Great Chamberlain.

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Arrival will be at 10.00 for coffee and biscuits and an introductory talk by Emma Miller who, as Curator of the Collection, we are honoured to have.  There will be a tour for an hour and half around the inside with the very knowledgeable guides. This will be followed by a talk by Jim, the Head Gardener, and we will be free to wander round the extensive garden and grounds.  We are allowed to bring our own picnics and in case of rain we will be allowed undercover!

 

Tickets £40 per person.  Numbers are strictly limited and tickets will be issued on a first come, first served basis.  If you would like to come, please email Charlotte Brudenell on 

charlottebrudenell@googlemail.com 

to make a booking BEFORE sending any money. When you have confirmation of your place from her, please then send her a cheque or make a payment directly into our bank account, details of which she will let you know.