We reveal the sporting heritage at our sites to kick-start the Olympic year
I’m delighted to join English Heritage at an exciting time in our own story
There’s so much to do with your membership in the year ahead, from new experiences and art installations to blockbuster events and behind-the-scenes tours. In this issue you can dig into prehistory at Grime’s Graves (page 48), step into spring at family friendly gardens (page 28) and kick-start the Olympic year with a survey of sports at our sites (page 36).
This is my first issue of the Members’ Magazine as the chief executive of English Heritage,
For Our Media
and I’m delighted to be here. English Heritage has achieved so much since it became a charity nine years ago but there’s plenty more to do. I’m particularly excited to play my part in helping the charity to share the benefits of heritage with millions more people every year.
I’m also looking forward to visiting as many sites as possible – do say ‘hello’ if you spot me out and about!
Dr Nick Merriman Chief Executive
Group editor Matt Havercroft
Managing editor Oliver Hurley
Senior art editor Steve Gotobed
Senior account director Esther Procee
Get in touch
W www.english-heritage.org.uk/members
E membersmagazine@ourmedia.co.uk
(for magazine queries only) or members@english-heritage.org.uk (for membership queries and changes of address)
T 0370 333 1181
PO Box 569, Swindon, SN2 2YP
For English Heritage
Louise Dando, Johanna Lovesey, Megan Anders, Tony Dike, Daniel Di Paolo, Tersia Boorer, Tom Moriarty, Richard Leatherdale
Account manager Joanne Robinson
Director Julie Williams
Editorial director Dan Linstead
Consultant editor Dave Musgrove
Advertising manager Jamie Bolton
E jamie.bolton@ourmedia.co.uk
Contributors
Jeremy Ashbee, Shelley Garland, Jennifer Wexler, Jo Caird, Kelly Ray, Frances McIntosh, Emily Parker, Lucy McGuire, Harriet Cooper, Andrew Hann
English Heritage Members’ Magazine is published three times a year, in March, July and October, on behalf of English Heritage by Our Media, Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST T 0117 927 9009 W www.ourmedia.co.uk
Support us
English Heritage is a charity. Without the support of our members and donors, our work would not be possible. To find out more about how you can help by making a donation or leaving a gift in your will, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us or call the fundraising team on 020 7973 3797.
Dr Jeremy Ashbee
Head historic properties curator
On page 13 Jeremy explains why we don’t need a national museum of England
Emily Parker
Landscape advisor
Turn to page 36 to find Emily’s guide to the sporting heritage you can find at our sites
Dr Andrew Hann
Properties historians’ team leader Andrew reveals the story of Jemima, Marchioness Grey at Wrest Park – see page 66
English Heritage cares for more than 400 historic monuments, buildings and places –from world-famous prehistoric sites to grand medieval castles, and from Roman forts on the
of the
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Through these we bring the
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to life for more than 10 million visitors each year. Registered charity no. 1140351 (England) Registered company no. 07447221 (England) Product code: 200866
edges
empire
Cold War bunkers.
Story
England
2024
‘It’s the perfect time to explore our gardens as they burst back into life’
Cover image
Exploring the outdoor spaces at Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden
FIND MORE ONLINE
Discover more exclusive content in your Members’ Area www.englishheritage.org.uk/ members
20 New this season
The art of expression
Explore the stories of our sites through new, thought-provoking art installations
28 Great days out Spring gardens
Plan a day out in our historic outdoor spaces as they burst into life this season
36 Stories of England Sports heritage
Discover the sports played at our sites ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games
42 Expert care
Costume conservation
Find out how we’re protecting the historic clothing in our collections
48 Behind the scenes
Digging deeper at Grime’s Graves
Our project to unearth the story of this Neolithic flint mine in Norfolk
66
Past lives Jemima, Marchioness Grey
How Wrest Park’s owner shaped the gardens she had grown up in
Your seasonal What’s On guide Start planning your unforgettable days out with our events programme. Turn to page 57
06 Big picture
Unleash your imagination at our new Big Brick Build events
08
Update
Our latest news, including Great Big Green Week and dog-friendly days out
13
In my view
Why English Heritage is the de facto national museum of England
26 Meet the expert
Meet our new chief executive, Dr Nick Merriman
32
Close up
A historic shell collection goes on display at Chesters Roman Fort
65
20 questions Put your knowledge of World Heritage Sites to the test with our quiz
15
Your say Your thoughts on days out at our sites, the magazine and much more
16 Ask the experts
Our panel of experts tackles your questions
63 My experience Meet the member who took a cycling tour of our castles
Calling all creators: join a Big Brick Build this spring
LEGO ® Brick fans aged 5 or above are invited to get creative at our new series of Big Brick Build events.These are taking place at seven sites across the country, where you can join our master builders to create a model of the site, a person connected to it or a mosaic scene.The first event will take place from 29 March to 7 April at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, while the other events will take place from 6–14 April at Stonehenge in Wiltshire; Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire; Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland; Osborne on the Isle of Wight;Audley End House and Gardens in Essex; and Dover Castle in Kent. www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Explore the secrets of a Kent castle
isitors to Walmer Castle and Gardens in Kent will this year be able to explore parts of the property that are not usually open to the public, including the private apartments of the Lord Warden – a ceremonial role previously held by the Duke of Wellington and the Queen Mother.
V‘This is a unique opportunity to see behind the scenes into a space that has never been opened to the public before,’ says curator of collections and interiors Dr Kathryn Bedford. ‘It’s great to be able to tell stories about the families and servants of Lords Warden who haven’t previously been mentioned.’ The story of the castle as a defensive structure will also be explored with new tours of the rounds, the tunnels at the base of the castle’s bastions. The new tours are due to run until at least October while other areas of the castle are closed for conservation – please check our website for details. www.english-heritage.org.uk/walmer
‘Visitors can go behind the scenes of a space that has never been opened to the public before’
MEMBERS GET MORE
Many events are free or discounted for members.
See our full listings at www.english-heritage. org.uk/events
JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Have you visited one of our sites recently? Whether you attended a family event or explored a medieval castle, we want to hear about your experience. Contact us on our social channels.
Apainting that was part of the original furnishings at Brodsworth Hall has been acquired by English Heritage. Jan Wijnants’ Landscape With Hawkers and Sportsmen (1659) has hung in the hall since 1863 and was on loan. But it is now part of our permanent collection, thanks to the support of Art Fund and the National Heritage Memorial Fund. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ brodsworth-hall
EVENTS
Join us for a dog-friendly day out
Dog lovers are being invited to join us for special walks with their four-legged friends this May. Organised in partnership with Agria Pet Insurance, our Dog Friendly Days Out will offer visitors a wonderful way to explore sites with their pets. Dog walkers will be able to take advantage of dedicated
routes, photo opportunities and the chance to meet other owners. The walks take place on 18–19 May at Marble Hill in London, Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire and Belsay Hall in Northumberland, with further sites to be added. See our website for more details. www.englishheritage.org.uk/ dog-friendlyproperties
YOUR NEW MEMBERS’ AREA
Thanks to the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies, you can now manage your membership more easily on our website – register today to get access. www.englishheritage.org.uk/ members
Over the next few months we’ll be making a few changes to the way we look.We’ve already made some updates to our logo, and we’re starting to use different colours and a more readable font in some of our materials.Your membership isn’t changing, and there’s nothing you need to do.We’ll share more updates soon.
MEMBERS’ REWARDS
Find our latest offers to make big savings at www.englishheritage.org.uk/ rewards
Sustainability learning lead Katie Wooldridge on this year’s Great Big Green Week
What is Great Big Green Week?
It’s the UK’s biggest ever celebration of community action to tackle climate change.This year it takes place from 8–16 June and we are celebrating it with events such as a willow weaving workshop at Boscobel House and a tour of the natural areas atWalmer Castle.
What can we learn from how sites were managed in the past?
Many of our gardens have a long history of sustainable practices, which arose out of necessity, such as crop rotation, water management and seasonal food production.
How can English Heritage members take part?
We have events at more than 15 of our sites to suit all the family. See What’s On (page 58) for more details.
www.english-heritage.org. uk/gbgw
BLUE PLAQUES
The latest additions to our London blue plaques scheme
Over recent months a range of figures have been commemorated with London blue plaques. The anti-racist activist Claudia Jones (1915–64), a founding spirit behind the Notting Hill Carnival, now has a roundel at her old house in Vauxhall, while the violinist and conductor Yehudi Menuhin (1916–99, pictured) had a plaque unveiled at his former home in Belgravia. The electrical engineer Tommy Flowers (1905–98) has been commemorated at his one-time workplace, the former Post Office Research Station in Dollis Hill, where he designed the Colossus computer that helped to crack Nazi codes in the Second World War. The painters Vanessa Bell (1885–1961) and Duncan Grant (1885–1978), members of the Bloomsbury Group, are commemorated at the house they shared in that area, while the modernist writer Ronald Firbank (1886–1926) has a new marker in Mayfair. www.english-heritage.org. uk/blue-plaques
VISITS
Deaf-led British Sign Language tours come to Stonehenge
This year sees the launch of new Deaf-led British Sign Language (BSL) tours of Stonehenge led by John Wilson (pictured), an experienced Deaf heritage interpreter. The tours will give visitors the opportunity to discover the incredible story of one of the world’s most famous places in BSL. A World Heritage Site, Stonehenge and its surrounding prehistoric monuments remain powerful witnesses to the people of the Neolithic and Bronze Ages who created them. Work began on Stonehenge about 5,000 years ago, while the
stone circle dates from about 2500 BC. The tour will cover the history of this unique monument, including theories about how the stones were brought to Salisbury Plain, the origins of the stones and the latest research. The BSL tours will run between 12.30pm and 2.30pm on
Wednesday 3 April, Wednesday 29 May, Saturday 29 June and Saturday 7 September. They are free for members but must be pre-booked by emailing stonehenge-marketing@ english-heritage.org.uk. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ stonehenge
Discover more ways to support our work
As a member you’re already doing so much to support our vital work, but there are many other ways you can help. Our latest appeal gives you the chance to help inspire the next generation by supporting learning opportunities at our properties. You could become a volunteer at one of our sites and learn new skills. Or you could become an English Heritage Guardian to join
like-minded supporters who champion our work and who benefit from exclusive experiences that take them to the heart of England’s heritage. If you’re a fan of our London blue plaques, why not help to secure the scheme’s future with a donation? You can also leave a gift to English Heritage as part of your will. To find out more, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/ support
Tickets are now on sale for this year’s BBC Gardeners’ World Autumn Fair, which takes place at Audley End House and Gardens in Essex from 30 August to 1 September. Members can buy standard tickets for £13.50 (saving £10) and book advance parking for free (usually £5). www.english-heritage.org.uk/rewards
Garden trainee Peter Buchanan on how we’re keeping heritage skills alive
How did you get involved with the Historic & Botanic Garden Training Programme?
I first heard about it while completing an RHS qualification. I applied and was interviewed at Audley End House and Gardens in Essex before being offered a placement there.
What experience has working in the garden at Audley End given you? Working in a place where our shared history happened gives me an insight into the role heritage horticulture plays in our understanding of plants and the
people that collected, curated and cared for them.
Why’s it important to get specialist training about historic gardens?
These gardens are layered with stories that make them unique. After my year at Audley End, I want to keep learning with further training. In the future, I would love to lead a team caring for a historic garden. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ hbgtp
English Heritage thanks the National Garden Scheme for supporting seven garden trainees each year
ALL THANKS TO YOU…
The essential conservation work taking place with your support as members
MEDIEVAL CHAPEL
ROOF RETHATCHED
A £180,000 project to rethatch the roof of the 13th-century Chisbury Chapel in Wiltshire has been completed, and the property has now reopened to visitors.The roof was in a bad condition but was restored by a local contractor using the traditional ‘long straw’ method.The straw was grown by a local farmer. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ chisbury-chapel
PORTRAIT’S SECRETS REVEALED
Hours of careful conservation have revealed that a later touchup of a portrait of Jacobean noblewoman Diana Cecil added plumper lips and a lower hairline. Experts have uncovered the portrait’s original features, as depicted by the artist Cornelius Johnson.The work also revealed the painting, now back on display at Kenwood, dates from 1634. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ kenwood
THINGS TO DISCOVER WITH YOUR MEMBERSHIP THIS SPRING…
Inspiration for things to see and do at our historic properties over the coming season
TAKE A BREAK IN A CASTLE
The refreshed café at Beeston Castle in Cheshire is the perfect place to refuel while exploring the site. www.english-heritage.org. uk/beeston
GO FOR A WALK ON NEW PATHS
From May, new paths at Kenilworth Castle will create a clearer visitor route and provide improved access. www.english-heritage.org. uk/kenilworth
EXPLORE NEW FAMILY TRAILS
Don’t miss the sculptures that form the new trails at Warkworth Castle in Northumberland.
www.english-heritage.org. uk/warkworth
DISCOVER A WILD
MAN
The Wild Man of Belsay Hall tells the story of the site in an impressive new sound installation and animation. www.english-heritage.org. uk/belsay
PLAY ROMANINSPIRED GAMES
Younger visitors to Wroxeter Roman City in Shropshire can play a range of Roman-themed games. www.english-heritage.org. uk/wroxeter
Historic County Map Jigsaws
John Speed (1552-1629) was a renowned English cartographer who published an atlas called “The Theatre of the Empire of Great Britaine”.
His maps themselves were of high quality and were made using the up-to-date sources that were available, so they gained a reputation for being amongst the best county maps – attractive and decorative.
We’ve taken the county maps from the early 1600s and created a range of historical county map jigsaw puzzles.
Choose from the range of 60, all of which are 400 piece puzzles.
The completed puzzles are 47cm x 32cm and the puzzles are all manufactured on high quality blue board.
Ages 8 to adult.
Box size approx. 23cm x 17cm
IN MY VIEW
DR JEREMY ASHBEE
Head historic properties curator
We don’t need a Museum of England – we’ve already got one
Visitors to Scotland and Wales with an interest in history and culture would do well to visit the fantastic National Museums in Edinburgh and Cardiff, where the history of those nations is set out clearly and engagingly. But someone looking for the equivalent museum in England doesn’t have an obvious destination: the British Museum in London contains collections from all over the world, as well as material from Britain. So, should there be a National Museum of England?
The answer is we’ve already got one: it’s just spread across 420 historic sites. It’s called the National Heritage Collection and it’s managed by English Heritage.
One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about our properties is their variety. They range from the tombs of the first settled communities in the Neolithic period to the Cold War emplacements of the 1960s, and they include relics of the past as different as the massive earthworks of Maiden Castle and the ornate interior decoration of the library at Kenwood. From the very beginning of the collection in the 1880s, the first ‘heritage managers’ (to use the modern term) saw the sites as ‘representing the unwritten history of our country’. Over the 20th century and the first decades of the 21st, a huge and diverse collection was assembled: 66 castles, 84 churches and monasteries, 53 Roman sites and, among the less well-represented types, six bridges, 13 agricultural or industrial sites, two hill figures and one historic battlefield.
The criticism is sometimes made that our properties only tell a partial story, removed from
Discover the English Heritage sites that are near you at www.englishheritage.org.uk/ places
‘One of the things I’ve always enjoyed about our properties is their variety’
the lived experience of ordinary people in the past, and it’s certainly true that all those castles, great houses and that famous battlefield (from 1066) have a lot to say about the stories of kings and queens, lords and (occasionally) ladies. I think that this history still has a value: battles, sieges, royal travels, and the births, marriages and deaths of the rich and powerful could have great consequences for the whole of society. But as we try to show, this isn’t the only history that our sites have witnessed: the Audley End cook Avis Crocombe and her recipes, James Chappell, the servant of Sir Christopher Hatton at Kirby Hall, and Maud Cunnington, archaeologist at Woodhenge, deserve to be celebrated. And we realise that the sites’ history hasn’t finished: new generations are constantly forging new relationships with them, not only as places of leisure and education, but places creating a sense of identity. This may not be within the walls of a museum, but we think that it’s something richer: 420 places where history has been made. And that is something we can all be proud of.
Holidays with history
Stay in one of our characterful holiday cottages and enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the grounds of a historic site* .
To book or to find out more email holidaycottages@english-heritage.org.uk or visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/holidaycottages
Pool House at Witley Court and Gardens, Worcestershire
Peverell’s Tower at Dover Castle, Kent | sleeps 2
Fort House at St Mawes Castle, Cornwall | sleeps 4
Head Gardener’s House at Audley End, Essex | sleeps 6
Refectory Cottage at Rievaulx Abbey, York | sleeps 4 +cot
* Excluding
Fort House at St Mawes Castle and Coastguard’s Cottage at Lindisfarne Priory.
Share your thoughts, experiences, tips and photos
Your say
Eagle House, Bristol, BS1 4ST
Recordbreaker
STAR LETTER
Rifling through a drawer the other day I found my first Department of the Environment
Ancient Monument visitors pass. It was from 1978, so that’s over 45 years being a member of English Heritage and its predecessors (I am probably due a free castle!). That has seen me from a teenager through to many visits with our own children, to now where my wife and I ponder all the places we still hope to visit in our impending retirement. Can anyone beat that membership record?
Nick Morgan
Triangular trip
Over the last 20 years I have often taken the train from Chesterfield to London for work. One thing I always looked out for when between
Our star letter writer receives a prize from Craghoppers – this issue it’s a NosiLife insect-repellent shirt and trousers, together worth £180. For a chance to win, send us an email for publication.
Market Harborough and Kettering was a rather strange triangular building along a length of sandstone boundary wall surrounding an estate. When we joined English Heritage, my wife and I realised this was one of its properties. It is the Elizabethan Rushton Triangular Lodge in Northamptonshire on the edge of the Tresham estate, built by Sir Thomas Tresham between 1593–97. When I retired, we made a special pilgrimage to visit this peculiar building, which is covered in symbols worthy of any Dan Brown novel. Our guides were wonderful and full of information on the history the mystery of this ‘Holy Trinity’ masterpiece. John and Jane Lawry
Associated attractions
We have recently returned from a holiday in the Republic of Ireland and I wanted to draw readers’ attention to how valuable English Heritage membership is there. There is free admission to Office of Public Works (OPW) sites, which in many cases includes guided tours. In Dublin, we visited Dublin Castle and Kilmainham Gaol. Not too far away are the famous tumuli at Newgrange and Knowth, a World Heritage Site, and the visitor centre at Glendalough. We have definitely got our money’s worth from our English Heritage membership this year!
Pamela Boura
Castle garrison I was interested to read about Hurst Castle in the last issue. My father served during the Second World War with the Royal Artillery and, for a time near D-Day, was seconded to a unit stationed at Hurst, operating searchlights for the guns. It shows that the history of the site is much more than just the Henry VIII fort and the Victorian gun batteries.
Richard Witcombe
Magical history tour
Last year my family and I decided to tour the UK and venture to all the wonderful places in our country. One of my favourite sites was Stonehenge because of all the nice pictures we took and exploring around the place trying to discover why it was built. In York we loved Clifford’s Tower – it was great learning about the Vikings and their stories… and it is so steep. It was amazing seeing English Heritage sites such as the Chester Roman Amphitheatre, London Wall and the Cenotaph, and we were able to use our English Heritage discount at lots of great places. I loved Edinburgh Castle because of the pretty light display in front of the castle, the cool treats that we could buy and mostly exploring the castle. I would love to do it all again, there’s so much to see right under our noses!
Anna Leigh Okafor-Withers (age 10)
Video stars
I am always delighted when my seasonal Members’ Magazine lands on my doormat, as I am limited to where I can visit due to increased mobility problems. The weekly podcasts, Members’ Lectures and videos are delivered by experts and are not too academic, and Mrs Crocombe’s Victorian recipes are a joy to watch. Could you keep up the video clips with tours of properties that many members will never visit?
Perhaps a painting being restored, a ‘mystery’ object or a hidden find. There is so much English Heritage is doing and could do to make everyone feel they are getting value from their membership besides site visits.
William Rowlands
Accessible sites
As a user of an electric wheelchair, I would like to thank English Heritage for making many of its sites accessible. We really appreciate the work done to make it possible to still enjoy historical places. My husband and I had a few days in Norfolk recently and enjoyed a visit to Castle Acre Priory. We enjoy Wrest Park near our home very much too. We understand that not all sites can be accessible but so enjoy those that are.
Elizabeth Densham
Send your questions to your English Heritage experts
Ask the experts
Harriet Reynolds asks…
My family really enjoyed the Conservation in Action van at Belsay Hall last year. Will it be out and about again in 2024?
James Scott, interpretation manager (Conservation in Action) replies… It will indeed! This year, our touring van will be giving visitors the chance to get involved with hands-on conservation activities at a number of sites. These will include Baconsthorpe Castle in Norfolk, Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, Marble Arch in London, Rufford Abbey in Nottinghamshire, and Walmer Castle and Gardens in Kent. Go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/ conservation-van to check dates.
Rupert Taylor asks…
SEND US A QUESTION
To have your questions answered, email us at membersmagazine@ ourmedia.co.uk
Do you think there are any prehistoric monuments in England that have yet to be discovered or identified as such?
Jennifer Wexler, properties historian (prehistory) replies…
Great question! We are discovering new prehistoric sites, including monuments, all the time. As the landscape has changed and transformed over thousands of years, many sites are not obvious or visible on the surface. For example, the 2018 heatwave revealed hundreds of previously unknown monuments via parch marks. While it may be unlikely to discover a completely unknown stone circle, new technology and research has allowed us to detect new sites. In 2020, surveys undertaken by the Stonehenge Hidden Landscapes Project (lbi-archpro.org/cs/stonehenge) revealed evidence for 20 or more massive, prehistoric shafts. These shafts form a circle more than two kilometres in diameter and enclose an area greater than three square kilometres around the Durrington Walls henge and the smaller prehistoric circle at Woodhenge. As technology improves, there is no doubt more monuments will be discovered.
MEMBERS’ AREA
The latest exclusive online content
Listen to our podcast
Enjoy all the episodes of our weekly podcast. www.english-heritage.org. uk/podcast
Kids’ competition
Create your own decorative plate to win a goody bag. www.english-heritage.org. uk/kids
Test your knowledge
From prehistory onwards, test your history know-how. www.english-heritage.org. uk/quizzes
Are you looking for inspiration for your next
With Warner Hotels you can expect secret beauties in our stunning gardens to the history of our remarkable buildings, the dazzling variety of dining options to the electrifying performances every night – there are so many reasons to book, and it’s all included in the price.
With a choice of 16 stunning locations across the UK there’s plenty to explore.
Plus, if you book more than one break, you could save up to £200* with the multi-book offer.
MEMBERS’ WEEK
Our annual Members’ Week is back and bigger than ever, with an extended programme of more than 200 in-person and online member-exclusive events to enjoy from 6–14 April. As a thank you for your support, all events are completely free, plus you can enjoy a 20% discount at our shops and cafés throughout the week*. What’s more, there’s an exciting competition with prizes from our Members’ Week supporter, Riviera Travel, plus you can share your love for our sites by bringing a friend for free (excludes event tickets).
Start planning now to make the most of your Members’ Week, with over 200 free, member-exclusive events, plus discounts, competitions and offers
at 1066 Battle of Hastings, Abbey and Battlefield in East Sussex.
EXCLUSIVE SAVINGS
Enjoy an exclusive 20% discount in our shops (on-site and online) and cafés*
For history lovers, our in-person events across the country include everything from early morning access to the stone circle at Stonehenge in Wiltshire to a family discovery visit
If you’re looking to learn a new skill, don’t miss the chance to join our workshop on how to look after historic textiles at Audley End House in Essex, our family-friendly medieval skills event at Conisbrough Castle in South Yorkshire or our kids’ have-a-go planting session at Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens in Northumberland. There’s also a fantastic range of virtual events you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, from a forgotten blue plaques tour or close-up views of some of our objects, to a kids’ cook-along or a pirate school for younger members.
For more details, turn to page 57 or go to the website below for details of Members’ Week events, offers and more.
BOOK FROM 18 MARCH
Supported by
This year’s Members’ Week is proudly supported by Riviera Travel, which is offering English Heritage members an exclusive discount of £100pp off any of its exciting tours and cruises when you make a new booking before 30 April 2024*. Whether you’re dreaming of exploring the medieval lands of Europe on a five-star river cruise, absorbing the history of the Khmer Empire in Cambodia or immersing yourself in the culture of Andalucia, Riviera Travel is ready to make your dream a reality.
To book, please call 01283 901084, quoting ‘EH100’
* Minimum spend of £1,000pp applies
April
For full details or to book, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-week
Families will love our Romans at Wroxeter Experience in Shropshire on Saturday 13
Explore Byland Abbey in North Yorkshire at our Dissolution of the Monasteries Tour on Sunday 7 April
Garden lovers won’t want to miss the Tour of the Gardens at Walmer Castle in Kent on Tuesday 9 April
TA RT THE O F
STORYTELLING
At sites across the country, leading contemporary artists are creating new installations to reveal forgotten stories and offer fresh perspectives
WORDS
JO CAIRD
There are countless ways of telling the story of a property. Or rather stories, because each of English Heritage’s 400-plus historic sites and monuments boasts a multitude of complex, interweaving and sometimes even conflicting narratives.
One of the most exciting ways the strands of this rich heritage are being reimagined is through the creative programme. This year’s series of commissions takes place at sites across the country, with contemporary artists drawing inspiration from properties to
There is Light in the Fissures by Ingrid Pollard Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens is full of impressive features, from the castle’s 14th-century tower to the romantic Quarry Garden. Artist Ingrid Pollard MBE, who spent a year researching the property as part of an artist fellowship with Newcastle University, is presenting an exhibition here and hopes to ‘disrupt the architecture’. New works by the Turner Prize-nominated artist will be installed all over the property. Visitors will find a sandstone boulder suspended in the Pillar Hall, evoking thoughts of the relationship of this building to the land on which it sits. Upstairs, photographic images hanging in the bedroom windows
create something entirely new and thought-provoking.
Each commission is the product of collaboration between the artist, historians and curators. But at the heart of it, says senior creative programme manager Penelope Sexton, is the artist’s voice. ‘It’s why we’re working with them: their imagination and how they express it.’
These new perspectives will enrich the experience of regular visitors but will also, Sexton hopes, attract those less familiar with the sites, bringing in wider audiences and connecting with communities.
will deliberately interrupt views of the estate, forcing visitors to consider Pollard’s work alongside those views. In the quarry, reflective surfaces inserted into crevices in the rock will offer visitors a distorted view of themselves within the landscape. ‘For all these pieces,’ Pollard says, ‘I want audiences to have some work to do, to think about what they’re seeing.’ www.english-heritage.org.uk/belsay
Until 14 July 2024
Pollard’s pieces are designed to interrupt views of the estate and bring the landscape into the hall
Ingrid Pollard MBE was nominated for the Turner Prize in 2022
Strike a Pose: Stephen Farthing and the Swagger Portrait Kenwood, London
The ‘swagger portraits’ of Jacobean artist William Larkin (c.1580–1619) at Kenwood were designed to leave no doubt in the viewer’s mind about the wealth and prestige of their subjects. They’ve recently been a source of fascination for the artist Stephen Farthing RA, who’s been creating his own modern twists on the form since early in his
29 June to 3 Nov 2024
career. ‘It’s the theatre of them – the vanity of having a full-length portrait of yourself that would hang in a country house or palace,’ he says. Times may have changed since the heyday of the swagger portrait, between the 17th and early 19th centuries, but Farthing believes the impetus to create such works has not. His work is a means of ‘making things from history that have resonance today’. Now, for the first time, Farthing’s swagger portraits, including four new paintings complemented by preparatory sketches, will hang alongside works by artists that have inspired them. As part of the project, Farthing will also be in residence in Kenwood’s dairy, creating a painting on site in conversation with volunteers at the property. www.english-heritage.org.uk/kenwood
‘Now, for the first time, Farthing’s swagger portraits will hang alongside works by artists that have inspired them’
This image and below Stephen Farthing’s new pieces provide a modern take on Larkin’s portraits
Jacobean painterWilliam Larkin’s portraits form part of the Suffolk Collection at Kenwood
RushtonTriangular Lodge is a testament to SirThomasTresham’s Catholic beliefs
Testament:
Marigold Short
Rushton Triangular Lodge, Northamptonshire
Designed by Sir Thomas Tresham (father of one of the Gunpowder Plotters) and constructed between 1593 and 1597, Rushton Triangular Lodge is a ‘statement of the Catholic faith in bricks and mortar’, says artist Marigold Short. This building of threes – three floors, trefoil windows, three gables on each of its three sides – has the Christian
26 July to 22 Sept 2024
doctrine of the Holy Trinity at its heart. That connection, and the force of Tresham’s faith, would have been clear to the landowner’s contemporaries but such notions can feel more elusive for visitors today. Through her installations, which include a metal incense burner of the sort used in church services on the top floor, and a bird cage symbolising the dangers of pursuing an alternative religion in the basement, Short is seeking to illustrate the religious feeling typical of Tresham’s time. ‘Heaven and hell were very real concepts to people at that time, and we’ve lost that in our society,’ explains Short. ‘I’m hoping that some of those ideas will become more apparent as you enter the space.’ www.english-heritage.org.uk/ rushton-triangular-lodge
‘Through her installations, Short is seeking to illustrate the religious feeling typical of Sir Thomas Tresham’s time’
Get creative with the kids
Inspired by the installations? Here’s how your kids can get interactive with our sites
There are loads of creative ways that children can get involved with our sites and their stories.As part of Members’ Week from 6–14 April, there’s the chance to attend a Kids’ Roman Engineering Workshop at Birdoswald Roman Fort in Cumbria. Or head to a ‘Make and Take’ event, where your kids can take their creations home with them.They’re happening at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight and at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire. Go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/ members-week for details. In the May half-term, Kids Rule! events are taking
place at properties up and down the country to give younger visitors the chance to get hands-on with heritage. Participating sites include Belsay Hall in Northumberland and Eltham Palace in London – see www.englishheritage.org.uk/events.At some sites – including Birdoswald (pictured) and Audley End House in Essex – there are special interactive exhibits for kids. Find details of our family guides and trails at www.english-heritage.org.uk/ family-property-guides The kids’ area of our website is also packed with fun ideas, like our downloadable spotter’s guides and art and craft activities to try at home – you can make your own Roman dodecahedron, build a cardboard castle or draw St George and the dragon. Head to www.english-heritage.org.uk/thingsto-make-and-do to find out more.
Dion Kitson: Silver Lining
JW Evans Silver Factory, Birmingham
Behind the frontage of four terraced houses in Birmingham’s Jewellery Quarter lies the JW Evans Silver Factory – an extraordinarily well-preserved slice of British industrial heritage. ‘It’s as if the factory workers have just downed tools and left,’ says Penelope Sexton. ‘Going in there is like walking back in time.’ Between May and September, visitors on tours of the building will encounter not just this heritage but new works responding to it by artist Dion Kitson. He was inspired by ‘the detritus left
10 May to 7 Sept 2024
by the staff – notes to turn lights off, a shrine to Princess Diana. It’s an honest reflection of how people dealt with the Industrial Revolution and its decline. The preservation of it is a reflection of the human condition.’ Kitson’s hyperreal response sees him augmenting what was left by the workers as a commentary on that decline and what has taken its place since. The aim of this series of works, and the artist’s accompanying solo show at the nearby Ikon Gallery, is to ‘engage, then provoke’, says Kitson. ‘My work is about enjoyment then reflection.’ This site has limited opening hours – please see the website for details.
www.english-heritage.org.uk/j.w.evans
‘It’s as if the JW Evans factory workers have just downed tools and left. Going in there is like walking back in time’
An example of the silverware produced by the factory, which operated from 1881 to 2008
Kitson says that he was drawn to the JW Evans Silver Factory as ‘it’s in a frozen state’
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group of like-minded travellers. There are hundreds of holidays to choose from, taking in the best of more than 35 locations – so there’s something to suit every interest and budget.
The Highlights of Eastern Europe tour, for instance, provides a fascinating grand tour of the great eastern European cities, including Berlin, Vienna and Prague. You may want to explore Italy’s most stunning lakes on the Beauty of Lake Como and Lake Maggiore tour. Or perhaps the picturesque setting of Bruges in Belgium appeals, in which case the Beautiful Bruges and Ghent holiday could be for you.
Wherever you choose to go, Leger will ensure that the journey is just as memorable as the destination, with two luxury coach options, Silver Service and Luxuria. State-of-the-art Luxuria
is the equivalent of business class, while Silver Service boasts an excellent range of facilities and features. Either way, you can simply unwind and soak up the beautiful passing scenery.
Leger has locked in its current prices, so if you book now, you can rest assured your holiday will be at the best price. Look forward to discovering the best of Europe without having to plan a thing.
English Heritage members can save 5% on all Leger holidays. Go to www.leger.co.uk or call 01709 914906 and use the code MRPEH5
Dr Nick Merriman
English Heritage’s Chief Executive
For nearly six years I have been chief executive and director of content at the Horniman Museum and Gardens in London, and prior to that I was director of Manchester Museum for 12 years. In my new role at English Heritage, I’m responsible for the organisation as a whole – delivering our strategy, making sure we meet all our targets on income and visitors, and ensuring that the heritage in the charity’s care has a positive impact on people, on local communities and on our country as a whole.
I grew up in Birmingham in fairly modest circumstances – we didn’t visit museums but we loved visiting ancient sites such as castles, as they seemed much more open. I ended up going to archaeological excavations at Wall, a local Roman site near Lichfield in Staffordshire that is now in the care of English Heritage, when I was a teenager and then studied archaeology at university. A few months ago, I took my father, who has Alzheimer’s, back to Wall and we both reminisced about my time as a schoolboy, digging there at weekends to reveal the structures that are now on show.
English Heritage is a wonderful organisation, charged with looking after the country’s collection of sites and monuments, and engaging the public in our nation’s history. I’ve always loved archaeology and history, so the chance to lead English Heritage at a key time of change, as it becomes a charity with a real social purpose, was irresistible.
I’m really looking forward to visiting as many of our sites as possible, meeting our members and visitors, our volunteers and staff, and listening to them about our key priorities. I have been amazed at the sheer range of what we do, from the London blue plaques scheme and community regeneration initiatives like the work at Belsay Hall, to confronting the challenges of climate change at Hurst Castle and hosting events such as the Stonehenge Festival of Neolithic Ideas, to name just a few.
Above Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens has been the focus of a new community regeneration initiative Facing page
Dr Nick Merriman at Dover Castle in Kent
Below Visitors get hands-on at the Festival of Neolithic Ideas at Stonehenge
English Heritage no longer receives or relies on regular funding from the government, so we need to ensure our financial viability. Fortunately, thanks to the wonderful support of our members, our business model is sound. So, alongside that, we need to widen the range of people who feel English Heritage is for them, engage more schools and raise funds to conserve our sites and improve facilities. I’d also like us to be a world leader in inclusive and sustainable heritage practice and known as the main way to engage with England’s story.
I would like to say a huge thank you to all our members for your support. You are our lifeblood, and we couldn’t run the organisation without you. We are moving into an exciting new phase as a fully independent charity, focusing on the social impact of the work we do, with a redoubled focus on raising funds to help us achieve everything we want to do. I hope you will continue to be part of this new chapter in our history.
Support us
For more information on how you can support our work, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/support-us
INTERVIEW MATT HAVERCROFT PHOTOGRAPH JIM HOLDEN
‘The chance to lead English Heritage as it becomes a charity with a real social purpose was irresistible’
Days of discovery
It’s the perfect time to explore our gardens as they burst back into life this spring, with attractions for all ages
WORDS KELLY RAY
AUDLEY END HOUSE AND GARDENS, ESSEX
It’s no surprise to discover that Audley End House, one of England’s grandest mansions, is surrounded by equally jaw-dropping gardens. Over the centuries, they’ve been shaped by various owners and the landscape designers they employed, including Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown. Highlights of a visit today include the parterre garden and a thriving kitchen garden. Beyond the formal gardens, there’s more to explore thanks to acres of sprawling parkland – the perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a game of hide and seek in the crisp spring air.
What to look out for in spring
Experience an explosion of colour as more than 16,000 bedding plants and 19,000 bulbs start to bloom.‘Kicking off with snowdrops in early spring,
both the formal gardens and landscape burst into life,’ says head gardener Louise Ellis.‘This is followed by daffodils, then tulips and hyacinths within our spring bedding and container displays. The walled kitchen garden also awakens with fruit blossoms, colour in the cut flower borders and early crops such as rhubarb and asparagus.’
Family favourites
Gallop over to theVictorian stable yard to say hello to the resident horses. An interactive exhibition delves into life working at Audley End – you can even dress up as aVictorian coachman or groom. Kids can also let off steam in the playground, and they might even encounter one of our costumed storytellers relaying tales of the site’s history.
‘Experience an explosion of colour as more than 16,000 bedding plants and 19,000 bulbs start to bloom’
JOIN A TOUR
For details of our summer season of tours organised in collaboration with the National Gardens Scheme, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/ events
Left A costumed storyteller at Audley End helps to bring the garden’s story to life
Osborne’s terraces are planted in a way that Queen Victoria would recognise
OSBORNE, ISLE OF WIGHT
‘It is impossible to imagine a prettier spot,’ said QueenVictoria of Osborne, her beloved Isle of Wight retreat.This magnificent Italianate coastal palace is complemented by meticulously crafted gardens and sprawling grounds, much of which were designed by Prince Albert. Its ornate terraces are planted in the same style Queen Victoria would have enjoyed over 150 years ago, while the walled garden reflects its later use by QueenVictoria as a cut flower garden.
What to look out for in spring
‘Our daffodils and camellias often start flowering in mid-February,’ says head
gardener Toby Beasley.‘From then, the season keeps getting better with our rhododendrons coming into bloom. But it’s the terraces that steal the show with their spectacular display of spring bedding. Our wallflowers, pansies and tulips look their best in April.’
Family favourites
A family tree trail takes you around Osborne’s parkland on a discovery of its historic trees. Following the trail leads to the Swiss Cottage – an Alpine-style chalet built to educate the nine royal children, with a museum housing quirky objects from around the world collected by the children and a kitchen garden where they grew vegetables outside. And look out for animal sculptures on your way down to QueenVictoria’s private beach.
‘It’s the terraces that steal the show with their spectacular display of spring bedding’
WALMER CASTLE AND GARDENS, KENT
This Tudor artillery fort-turnedstately home is surrounded by award-winning gardens. Near the castle lies the tranquil Queen Mother’s Garden and the Broadwalk Garden, with its striking ‘cloud’ hedge. Beyond the gardens, a chalk quarry was reinvented as a charming glen.
What to look out for in spring
‘I have roots in the Netherlands, so I love the tulip display in the cuttings garden in spring – it’s like a miniature Dutch bulb field,’ says head gardener Philip Oostenbrink. ‘We also have a collection of unusual snowdrop cultivars. Another spring favourite is the
Woodland Garden, with daphnes, winter aconites and colourful hellebores. Don’t forget to smell the chocolate-scented flowers of the Azara microphylla tree by the Queen Mother’s Garden.’
Family favourites
Follow the Woodland Walk to discover the nature-inspired play trail. Quirky spaces beckon young adventurers with wobbly bridges, climbing nets and a larger-than-life swing.And keep an eye out for the sculptures of birds dotted around the trail.
The Queen Mother’s Garden was created by garden designer Penelope Hobhouse
WHERE THE WILD THINGS ARE
Look out for wildflowers in the King’s Meadows this spring
Launched in 2023 in partnership with charity Plantlife to mark the coronation of King Charles III, the King’s Meadows project aims to reintroduce wildflower-rich grasslands at sites ranging from Stonehenge in Wiltshire to Whitby Abbey in North Yorkshire. Reviving these once-common spaces will not only restore vital habitats for diverse flora and fauna, but also offer visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of these sites.
A species-rich meadow can provide interest from spring to late summer, when it is cut for hay. Established meadows will not only look beautiful but provide a diverse larder – of pollen, nectar and foliage – for a wide range of mammals, birds and pollinating insects.
Last year was a particularly good year for cowslips (Primula veris), the purple flowered green-winged orchid (Anacamptis morio), bird’s foot trefoil (Lotus corniculatus) and rough hawkbit (Leontodon hispidus). To find a meadow or for more details, go to www.english-heritage.org. uk/100-meadows.
BRODSWORTH HALL AND GARDENS, SOUTH YORKSHIRE
Once the grand family home of the Thellusson family, Brodsworth Hall is an extraordinary reflection of the changing fortunes of a country house, and is presented much as it was when the last permanent resident, Mrs Sylvia Grant-Dalton, lived there. Outside, the gardens have been revived to their fullVictorian splendour. Spacious green lawns and terraces surround the hall, while further away, distinct
spaces are revealed around every corner, from the rocky fern dell to the rose garden.
What to look out for in spring
The formal gardens look sharp after their winter trim, with hundreds of shapes and textures in the topiary. As you enter the flower garden, the sight of thousands of spring bedding plants dazzles the eye. The fern dell’s dwarf bulbs
Belsay’s gardens offer lots to explore in the spring
KIDS GO FREE
As a member you get free entry for up to six children within the family group
begin to put on a show and, in the rose garden, look out for early roses. Daffodils, bluebells and snowdrops adorn the lawns and woodland.
Family favourites
Spot the quirky garden buildings like the target house, along with the game larder and historic outdoor loo.There’s also a year-round programme of events designed to entertain explorers of all ages.
BELSAY HALL, CASTLE AND GARDENS, NORTHUMBERLAND
Belsay Hall served as home of the Middleton family for over seven centuries.Today, their legacy is embodied in a splendid Greek Revival mansion, magnificent castle and the vast, Grade I-registered gardens uniting them.
What to look out for in spring
‘Many wonderful plants start flowering in the spring,’ says garden supervisor Steven Richardson-Scurr.‘Look out for pulmonarias and hellebores, while azaleas and magnolias burst into life in the Quarry Garden.’
Family favourites
Embark on a family trail led by the enigmaticWild Man, Belsay’s mythical guardian. By the castle, there’s also aWild Man-inspired play area, while the old coach house has been transformed into a welcoming café.
The gardens are filled with colourful plants
CLOSE UP
Shell collection, Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, Northumberland
This assortment of eye-catching shells is just a small selection of a recently rediscovered collection belonging to Bridget Atkinson (1732–1814), who lived in Cumbria, never left Britain, and rarely travelled outside the county.Through a network of friends, relatives and shell dealers, she was connected to the far reaches of the globe, which enabled her to collect more than 1,000 rare and exotic shells.These included two small snail shells from New Zealand, likely collected by George Dixon, an armourer on Captain Cook’s third voyage. Until recently, it was thought Atkinson’s collection had been lost, but around 200 shells were discovered last year.These have been reunited with the Clayton Collection at Chesters Roman Fort and Museum.The Clayton Collection consists of Roman material collected by Bridget’s grandson John Clayton in the 19th century. A new exhibition in the museum at Chesters reveals the story of Atkinson and her shells and what they tell us about the natural world.
See it for yourself
To plan a visit to Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/chesters
SAVE 15%
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Offer valid until 31 July 2024
Adventure on
Look great and be prepared for a day outdoors, whatever the weather, with Craghoppers’ range of outdoor clothing
Whether you’re planning a day out exploring the prehistoric landscape of Stonehenge or the ruins of Kenilworth Castle, you’ll want to be prepared to get the most from your adventure come rain or shine. That’s the ethos behind Craghoppers, which has been designing outdoor clothing and protective adventure gear since 1965. To ensure you have the best possible protection wherever you go, Craghoppers produces and continuously improves innovative fabric technologies. For example, its NosiLife range
offers outstanding defence against most biting insects for the lifetime of the garment. For rainy days, there’s a wide range of breathable, waterproof clothing to shield you from the elements without compromising on comfort. Offering proven protection and functionality, the clothing also comes in a range of styles and colours. And that goes for kids, too. They get to choose from a range of cool, technical mini-me styles that will keep them warm, dry and adventureready, so you can all step out in confidence together.
GEAR IDEAS
Essential items for your spring kit list
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2 Kiwi Pro II trousers, £65
A best-seller for their fit, water repellency, ample pockets and wide range of colours, the Kiwi Pro II trousers are available for men and women.
3 Vanth Jacket, £99
This new lightweight waterproof jacket for men and women offers style and protection in wet weather.
STRIDE INTO SPRING
Three walks to enjoy at English Heritage sites this season
DERBYSHIRE:
BOLSOVER CASTLE TO SUTTON SCARSDALE HALL
DISTANCE: 7 miles (3 hours walking, plus time to visit the properties)
Based around Bolsover Castle, this route explores the heritage woven into the landscape of the East Midlands and connects two prominent landmarks of north-east Derbyshire. It’s a rural route through open countryside that takes in the Bolsover Model Village and CarrVale Flash wetland reserve.
KENT: WALMER CASTLE TO DEAL CASTLE
DISTANCE: 2 miles (1 hour walking, plus time to visit the properties)
Nothing blows away the cobwebs like a bracing coastal stroll.This short, linear walk follows a well-marked coastal trail along shingle beach with one eye on the sapphire waters of the Channel.At either end of the walk you’ll discover two Tudor artillery castles built on the orders of HenryVIII to defend the Kent coast.
NORTHUMBERLAND: HOUSESTEADS ROMAN FORT TO CHESTERS ROMAN FORT
DISTANCE: 9.6 miles (5 hours walking, plus time to visit the properties)
This walk along the undulating central section of Hadrian’s Wall offers history, landscape and nature. It explores some of the freeto-enter sites managed by English Heritage, such as Sewingshields Wall and the Temple of Mithras, near Carrawburgh Roman Fort.
For downloadable maps of these walks, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-area/ members-magazine/stride-into-spring
4 Adflex shoes (also available in a boot), £155
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5 Kiwi Bottle bag, £17.50
This great value, super handy shoulder bag is designed to carry a water bottle, with extra pockets for smaller items.
As the world prepares to celebrate a festival of sport at this summer’s Olympic Games, landscape adviser Emily Parker reveals those played in the grounds of our historic sites
ARCHERY TARGET PRACTICE
Archery became a national pastime during the medieval period, when it was encouraged by the crown as a way of helping the country’s defence. But its rise as a competitive sport can be traced back to the 16th and 17th centuries, when the introduction of gunpowder saw the bow become a weapon of the past.
During the Victorian era archery was often practised in the gardens of country houses such as Brodsworth Hall in South Yorkshire, where an area of the garden called the target range was
laid out to practise archery. Nearby was the Swiss-style target house (originally known as the archery house), where the Thellusson family, who lived at Brodsworth, would shelter from the heat and enjoy refreshments during archery practice or tournaments.
Archery was one of only a handful of sports in which women could compete during the 19th century, but they had to wait until 1904 to be able to take part in the Olympics.
‘The target range in Brodsworth Hall’s garden was laid out to practise archery’
A DEADLY GAME OF CRICKET
Cricket is one of the most recorded sports on our properties, with many matches documented over the last 250 years. But perhaps none are as memorable as the one that supposedly took place at Tilbury Fort in Essex in 1776. The London Chronicle reported how teams from Kent and Essex met to play but when the Kentish team turned out to include a man who may have been a ‘professional’, the Essex men refused to play. In the ensuing mayhem, one of the Kent players shot dead an Essex man and two other people
Left An illustration of Tilbury Fort’s supposedly deadly cricket match, which took place in 1776
The target house at Brodsworth was used during archery practice
were killed. This story has been disputed by cricket historians but, as Georgian cricket is known to have often been disreputable, it can’t be discounted entirely.
In the 19th century, cricket pitches were created at Audley End House in Essex and at Down House in Kent. At Chiswick House and Gardens in London, a cricket pitch was constructed by the Tuke brothers, who ran the Chiswick House Asylum. In the 1920s, Wrest Park owner John Murray encouraged cricket to be played at the Bedfordshire estate.
Cricket was included in the Paris Olympics in 1900, when only two teams competed. It is due to make an Olympic comeback in 2028.
Audley End’s 19thcentury cricket pitch
THE KING’S BOWLING GREEN
Bowls is one of the oldest English sports, having been played in a recognisable form for at least 500 years. In the 17th century bowling greens were laid out in formal gardens and a bowling green was even created at Carisbrooke Castle on the Isle of Wight for Charles I when he was a prisoner there in 1647–48.
The first mention of a bowling green at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire was in 1705. The current building next to the green was constructed in 1735 and provided a place for refreshments
Below The historic bowling green at Carisbrooke
during games. A ninepin bowling alley was laid out in the garden of Marble Hill in London for the owner Henrietta Howard in the early 18th century as part of a short-lived fashion for this game in gardens. It was played using small, solid balls and was more like skittles than modern tenpin bowling. Lawn bowls was a Paralympic sport from 1968 but was discontinued in 1996. Despite being part of nearly every Commonwealth Games, its only Olympic appearance was in Seoul in South Korea in 1988.
‘A bowling green was created for Charles I while he was a prisoner at Carisbrooke Castle’
WARTIME FOOTBALL
Our properties have hosted many games of football, but the majority of these took place while they were occupied by organisations during the First and Second World Wars. After Wrest Park was requisitioned as a convalescent home and military hospital during the First World War, both the patients and staff liked to play football and cricket in the gardens. During the Second
World War, Audley End House was used as the training base of the Polish section of the Special Operations Executive, and the men played football on the lawns in front of the house. Men’s football has been included in every Olympic Games since 1900, apart from 1932. A women’s competition was added in 1996.
Below Football at Audley End during the Second World War
GOLF IN THE QUEEN’S GROUNDS
It is thought there has been a golf course at Osborne, Queen Victoria’s home on the Isle of Wight, since 1872, although it probably consisted of only two or three holes. One Osborne guest in 1887 reminded another to ‘bring golf sticks, there is a course on the premises’. The course was extended to nine holes after Victoria’s death, when the Royal Naval College
used the house. Today, the Osborne Golf Club still runs a nine-hole course, although the layout of the course has changed over the years.
Golf was included in the Olympics in 1900 and 1904 but was cancelled at the last minute in 1908 due to an internal dispute among the British entrants, which led to them boycotting the event. It eventually returned to the Olympics in 2016.
SWIMMING WITH ROYALTY
A bathing machine was installed at Osborne so Queen Victoria could change and get into the sea without being seen. In July 1847, Victoria wrote in her journal: ‘Went into the bathing machines, where I undressed & bathed in the sea, (for the 1st time in my life).’ Prince Albert encouraged his family to swim, believing that it was good for their health. In 1853, a ‘swimming bath’ was created, probably devised by Albert. The pool comprised
two pontoons with a suspended grating in between. In the early 20th century, purpose-built swimming pools were the mark of a fashionable home. Stephen and Virginia Courtauld built one in their garden at Eltham Palace in London in 1933. Swimming has been a sport at every modern Olympics, including a women’s competition since 1912.
Below QueenVictoria’s bathing machine can still be seen at Osborne
Far right Some Victorian tennis courts were hourglass-shaped
TENNIS WITH THE DARWINS
FIND
OUT MORE
Please check the individual property pages on our website for the latest opening times and information
STAY AND PLAY
Fancy a go? Get your sporting fix at these sites across the country
During this Olympic and Paralympic year, why not come and have a go at (or watch) some of these sports at our properties? See local croquet clubs taking aim in the Winter Garden at Belsay Hall in Northumberland or on the lawns at Brodsworth Hall in SouthYorkshire. Or, from April, you can play croquet on the terraces at Walmer Castle in Kent (check our website for
details). If swimming is more your thing, QueenVictoria’s private beach at Osborne on the Isle of Wight provides the perfect opportunity for a dip.
At Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, you can have a go at playing bowls, a popular pastime in the late 16th century when Elizabeth I visited the castle. On special event days at Marble Hill in London, you can try your hand at ninepin
A rare example of an hourglass-shaped tennis court, built in 1881, can be found at Down House in Kent, home of Charles Darwin and his family. The shape of the court followed the specifications of an 1874 set of rules called sphairistikè. Tennis courts were also created in the Winter Garden at Belsay Hall in Northumberland in the 1880s, and at Chiswick House, where they were added at the same time as
the cricket pitch. Tennis became increasingly popular in the early 20th century and courts were built at Walmer Castle in Kent and at Eltham Palace. Tennis was also a popular leisure activity for the staff of the Sun Insurance company while they were based at Wrest Park during the Second World War. Tennis was included in the Olympics in 1896 but was dropped after 1924. It was later reinstated in 1988.
bowling on the reconstructed alley. Marble Hill, which has been a public park since 1902, is also the perfect place to watch team sports, with regular football, cricket and rugby matches.
If you are looking for sport to watch in a glorious setting, the cricket pitch on the lawns in front of Audley End House in Essex is an idyllic place to enjoy a match on a Saturday afternoon in the summer months.
Above Have a go at ninepin bowling at Marble Hill in London
START YOUR YEAR OF SAVINGS
Your English Heritage membership is more than a pass to great value days out – it also gives you access to a range of exclusive benefits, discounts and offers. Here are six ways you can save money over the year ahead
Free access to sites with up to six children per member 1
In addition to free, unlimited access to more than 400 historic sites across the UK, you can also bring up to six children per adult member for free, so long as they are under 18 and part of the family group. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, uncle or aunt, it’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy a fun family day out.
A road trip is the perfect way to explore our network of sites across the country. So if you’re driving to enjoy a day out at your favourite local property, calling in for a pitstop during a long journey or exploring somewhere new during a holiday, you won’t pay a penny to park at our sites where the car park is owned by English Heritage. Free parking 2
Loyalty discount in shops and cafés 3
If you’re in your second (or more) year of membership, the good news is that you qualify for an exclusive loyalty discount of 10% in our shops, online shop and cafés. To claim it, all you need to do is show your membership card at the till or enter your membership number when you check out in the online shop.
‘Enjoy an exclusive discount of 10% in our shops and cafés’
4
Free and discounted access to events
From medieval jousts, swashbuckling pirate shows and Roman re-enactments to craft workshops and garden tours, our sites host hundreds of exciting events every year, with free or reduced-price entry for members. To discover our latest events, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
‘Our sites host hundreds of exciting events every year’
5
Great value days out at associated attractions across the UK
Your membership gets you free or discounted access to other iconic heritage sites across the British Isles, from Canterbury Cathedral in Kent to Alnwick Castle in Northumberland. In your first year you can also enjoy half-price access to any site managed by Cadw in Wales or Historic Scotland and then get free entry after first renewal. For details, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/associated-attractions
Left Get 20% off entry to Canterbury Cathedral Below Enjoy 15% off a day out at iconic Alnwick Castle
Save on products and services through the Members’ Rewards scheme
6
Whether you’re planning a holiday, shopping for food and drink, or looking for something to brighten up your home or garden, we’ve got a range of offers available through our Members’ Rewards scheme. The savings you make could cover the cost of your annual membership and you’ll be supporting us with every purchase. To see our latest offers, go to www.englishheritage.org.uk/rewards or turn to page 52.
‘The
COSTUME DRAMA
Work to conserve the historic clothing and textiles in English Heritage’s national collection is helping to shine new light on their stories – and the people who left them behind
As a smoke sponge is passed over the sepia-hued stains of a chef’s hat, a glimmer of its once-starched white fabric starts to reappear. This drab-looking headwear has clearly seen better days. Viewed as part of an ensemble, however, next to various canes, christening gowns and children’s bonnets, it forms part of the jigsaw that is South Yorkshire’s Brodsworth Hall: it was here, in the 1990s, that English Heritage uncovered many belongings left by the Grant-Dalton family.
Today, these artefacts, with stories spanning mid-Victorian Britain to the late-20th century, are being unpacked by a team of conservation staff and volunteers at the Helmsley Fine Art and Social History Store. The project will see them being cleaned, assessed and repackaged to preserve them for the future. ‘We have thousands of objects in the Brodsworth collection,’ says curator of collections Eleanor Matthews. ‘But we’ve never really explored or displayed the costume – almost 600 items.’
The fact the store holds 10,000-plus historical items is quite incredible. Its industrial exterior barely offers a whiff of the treasures behind its doors, which, until recently, have largely been off-limits to the public. But thanks to an increase in bookable tours, more people will soon be stepping inside to view its racks of items, from weather-worn sculptures to Brodsworth Hall’s patterned carpets.
It’s a chilly place (central heating could degrade the items) and the adjacent archaeological store – home to almost 69,000 objects – is even nippier.
Dehumidifiers keep dampness at bay and particularly fragile objects are kept in a ‘sensitive’ store, with even tighter climate controls. ‘It’s rewarding to know we’re helping the longevity of these objects,’ says conservator Caroline Rawson. ‘Visitors are flabbergasted by the collections.’
For the curators and conservators tasked with the care of these precious items, the workload ebbs and flows: one day could be spent preparing objects to
‘Objects range from Regency shoe buckles to a conscientious objector’s uniform’
Left Unwrapping a Second World War nurse’s overall at Brodsworth Hall
Bottom left The Home Guard uniform of Charles Grant-Dalton
Below Conservation cleaning kit ready for use on the fragile textiles
Bottom Volunteer Julie Walker vacuums a Second World War nurse’s overall
loan to an institution such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, another may be spent researching packaging materials. Objects being cared for around the country vary from the world’s largest collection of Regency and Georgian shoe buckles at Kenwood in London to what’s thought to be the only accurate representation of a Non-Combatant Corps uniform on display, similar to those worn by conscientious objectors at Richmond Castle in North Yorkshire during the First World War.
However, the Brodsworth Hall textiles are top of the agenda. ‘It’s a couple of years off yet,’ says Matthews, ‘but I’m hoping they will eventually form an exhibition, featuring holiday wear, evening wear, children’s clothes and more. Knowing who the items belonged to helps bring them alive. For example, we have some early 20th-century parasols owned by Constance Mary Thellusson, who was a very fashionable lady.’
Above Curator
Eleanor Matthews unwrapping parasols at the Helmsley store
Right Conservator
Caroline Rawson uses a smoke sponge to clean the hats.
Originally bought by wealthy merchant Peter Thellusson in 1791, Brodsworth Hall was adapted by the family over three generations. After Charles Grant-Dalton died in 1952, the hall began to fall into disrepair. But items, ranging from fancy dress costumes to Voluntary Aid Detachment nurse uniforms bought for Charles’s wife Sylvia and daughter Pamela, provide a rare glimpse into their privileged life. ‘There’s a war on, you’re going to get grubby from blood and dirt, yet they still choose to buy their uniforms from Harrods,’ says Matthews.
Managing a project of this scale is no mean feat, with various stages involved before an item can be repackaged. Some items require meticulous cleaning using pony and goat-haired brushes and variable-suction vacuums. Other items may contain patent or maker’s marks, which the team record and research, while updating a database referencing each item’s unique eight-digit object number. QR codes, meanwhile, reference their location on shelves. The cleaning process is complex too: often, a fine gauze
‘I now have a whole new appreciation for how textiles connect people’
Below AVoluntary Aid Detachment nurse headscarf is fitted on to a mannequin
MEET OUR RE-ENACTORS
For full details of all of our events around the country, go to our website at www.english-heritage. org.uk/events
is placed over the vacuum, the colour of the dust studied to record fibre loss. Achieving the right level of conservation and authenticity is a juggling act, too.
‘The interiors of the hall were never restored by English Heritage – each object was conserved as found to retain the appearance when the charity took over,’ explains Matthews. ‘So over-cleaning could mean an item loses its authenticity.’
‘We have to consider the implications of doing nothing though,’ adds Rawson, ‘as dirt could shorten its lifespan.’ The verdict on that stained chef’s hat (which, it transpires, was found inside a Victorian range) is that a generous clean is justified to improve its presentation.
While the Helmsley store holds the larger part of Brodsworth Hall’s textiles, Rawson manages a small team along with 10 textile volunteers at Brodsworth,
who conserve various interior textiles and costume stored at the hall. One of the biggest challenges they face is pests, with key culprits being moths and carpet beetles. Objects are inspected regularly and insect pest numbers are monitored using traps, with some items temporaily placed in freezers to kill eggs or larvae. If repairs are essential, they are done in a discreet – and reversible – manner.
‘I’ve learned vast amounts about how to handle, clean and pack a whole variety of things, from a simple handkerchief to delicate evening gowns,’ says volunteer Julie Walker.
With the help of a Collections Science Team, materials such as acidfree tissue (to prevent creasing) and a synthetic fabric known as Tyvek have been identified to be used when carefully repackaging the items to go on
public display in the future. ‘Working with fascinating textiles and artefacts has developed my understanding of the importance of conservation and preserving historical objects for future generations to enjoy and learn from,’ says volunteer Anna Tompkinson, who has been cleaning uniforms from the York Cold War Bunker, a site operated by the Royal Observer Corps from 1961 until 1991.
‘We have close to 300 uniform items,’ adds collections manager David Hanks, ‘and the names inside them allow us to research information on ROC members. Thanks to this project, I now have a whole new appreciation for how textiles connect people.’
Although it’s often hidden from view, textile and clothing conservation work goes on at sites across the country. At Audley End House and Gardens in
Essex, for example, is a 19th-century Native American deer hide shirt that was probably produced by one of the five tribes of the Haudenosaunee confederacy of the lower Great Lakes area. Kent’s Walmer Castle and Gardens is home to the Duke of Wellington’s boots, which inspired the modern-day welly.
And thanks to fast-growing initiatives such as the ‘make and mend’ group founded at Gainsborough Old Hall in Lincolnshire, staff and members of the public now have access to a growing number of period costumes to wear at English Heritage events. While they may not be as precious as a Roman shoe found at Hardknott Roman Fort in Cumbria or a medieval-era knitted sleeve from Lindisfarne Priory in Northumberland, these modern-day interpretations are helping visitors connect with the stories of sites and the people who lived there.
Visit Brodsworth Hall
To discover more about the Thelluson family’s former home or to plan a visit, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/ brodsworth-hall
Dress-up days
The sites where visitors of all ages can try on outfits to get a flavour of the past
Dressing up is a great way to step into the stories of the people who lived at our sites – and there’s a variety of opportunities to do so across the country. For fans of the Romans, a visit to Housesteads Roman Fort in Northumberland is a must, where children can choose a Roman costume to wear as they explore this 2,000-year-old fort on Hadrian’s Wall.
For a flavour of medieval life, try the magnificent Tudor stables of Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, where there’s an exhibition inviting visitors to see the mighty trebuchet balls once hurled at this 800-year-old castle, along with an array of medievalstyle outfits to try on.
For youngsters with an interest in life below stairs, the housekeeper’s room at Kenwood in London has a range of replica costumes, while there areVictorian children’s clothes in the restored Nursery Wing of Audley End House and Gardens in Essex.
For big kids, there are Roman-themed dressing-up clothes for adults and children at Corbridge Roman Town in Northumberland, Tudor outfits in the Great Hall at Eltham Palace in London and a variety of Victorian costumes at Osborne on the Isle of Wight.
You can find our latest range of dressing-up costumes to buy at www.english-heritageshop.org. uk/toys-games/dressing-up
Above Carefully cleaning a jacket from the York Cold War Bunker collection
Left Details of each item, including measurements, are kept in a database
ISLAND HOPPING IN THE AEGEAN
Discover some of the most beautiful Greek Isles aboard the MS Monet 4th to 14th June, 14th to 24th June*, 13th to 23rd September & 23rd September to 3rd October* 2025
Join us for a relaxing and informative voyage to some of the most idyllic islands in the Aegean. Part of the joy of a cruise aboard a small vessel is its capability to dock in small ports and cruising aboard the delightful 50-passenger MS Monet is a wonderful way to experience the lesser known islands of the southern Aegean and encounter their timeless quality. In addition to some day time cruising which allows us to enjoy some magnificent views, there will also be some overnight moorings. These afford the opportunity to take a stroll after dinner in some marvellous places that are particularly atmospheric in the evening. For those who wish to swim in the intensely blue Aegean there will also be time at leisure to explore the local beaches.
We have devised our itinerary to allow ample time to wander through the whitewashed villages and picturesque harbours of some hidden Greek island gems such as Sifnos, Lipsi, Nisyros, Fourni and Symi. In addition, we will discover the fascinating site of Ephesus where St Paul preached and spend some time on Patmos where we will visit the grotto of St John. With a maximum of just 50 guests, our trips ashore will be a pleasure as we explore with local guides who will also join us on board for our cruise, adding immeasurably to our knowledge of the region.
MS MONET is a 220 foot motor yacht accommodating a maximum of 50 guests. Cabins are designed for comfort and have a warm and inviting feel with light fabrics and wood trimmings. Cabins feature an en-suite bathroom with shower, television, minifridge, safety deposit box, air-conditioning and hairdryer. The public areas include a main lounge and bar with comfortable sofas and the Sun Deck which provides a delightful space with sun loungers and a Jacuzzi, ideal for relaxation and wonderful views. The indoor dining room seats all passengers in a single sitting with unassigned seating and allows for wonderful panoramic views of the stunning scenery as we sail. The Lumiere Open Deck provides a generous covered area where guests can enjoy meals al fresco, weather permitting.
GREECE Athens Nisyros Kusadasi Ephesus
Patmos Sifnos Folegandros
Syros Samos
Leros Lipsi
Symi Rhodes
TURKEY Fourni
THE ITINERARY IN BRIEF
Day 1 London to Athens, Greece. Fly by scheduled flight. On arrival transfer to the MS Monet and embark.
Day 2 Folegandros & Sifnos. Arrive this morning at the little known island of Folegandros. Visit the clifftop capital of Chora, a wonderfully picturesque village. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea as we sail to Sifnos arriving in the early evening. This corner of the Cyclades is far from the well-trodden tracks of the big ships and you will be greeted by traditional white houses, picturesque churches and narrow lanes and alleys. Maybe take the chance for a pre or post-dinner drink ashore as we will moor overnight.
Day 3 Sifnos & Syros. A morning tour of Sifnos will include Apollonia, the island’s tiny capital, the Virysianni Monastery and the villages of Kastro and Artemos, both delightful places to wander and admire the traditional architecture. Sail during lunch to Syros which was the largest cultural and trade centre of the Aegean in the 19th century and the capital Ermoupolis was Greece’s principal port. Enjoy a leisurely afternoon with a stroll in the town of Ermoupoli, the capital of the Cyclades.
Day 4 Fourni. After a morning at sea we arrive at one of the best kept secret islands in the Aegean, Fourni. Once a haven for pirates who enjoyed the island’s remote setting and little changed for centuries, it has a wonderfully peaceful atmosphere. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to walk up from the harbour to the charming main square and enjoy a drink whilst observing island life.
Day 5 Samos. Today we explore Samos which lays claim to be the birthplace of Hera, the mathematician Pythagoras and philosopher Epicurus. From the port of Vathy we will visit the excellent archaeological museum with one of the richest collections in Greece. Continue to the Sanctuary of Hera, the second largest temple ever built in Greece dating from the 6th century BC before arriving at the charming village of Pythagorio. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and enjoy a free afternoon in Vathy where you may visit a local beach or wander through the historic quarter.
Day 6 Kusadasi, Turkey. Arrive in Kusadasi over breakfast. From our berth we will drive to the nearby ancient city of Ephesus, a stunning and partially excavated site. Broad streets are lined by impressive buildings including the Library of Celsus and the temples of Serapis and Hadrian. We will see the Church of the Virgin Mary, the most important Christian monument in Ephesus and the spectacular Grand Theatre, originally built in the 3rd century BC by the Greeks, and later expanded by the Romans to its present capacity of 24,000.
Day 7 Patmos, Greece. Of all the Greek islands, Patmos is the most sacred to Christians both Orthodox and Western and it was here that St John received his revelation. This morning we will make our way to the grotto of St John. This small cave, now converted into the beautiful chapel, is where the Saint lived, had his revelation and wrote ‘Book of the Apocalypse’. From here continue to the village of Chora and climb to the Monastery of St John the Theologian. Upon entering into the courtyard, admire the intricate pebbled laid floor, decorated arches and frescoes. Return to the MS Monet for lunch and this afternoon and evening is at leisure to explore the picturesque town of Skala.
Day 8 Lipsi & Leros. Today we can use our small ship to visit two of the less visited islands of the Dodecanese. Spend the morning on Lipsi. At just eight kilometres long, Lipsi has avoided the development of many surrounding islands and is a wonderful place to spend a few hours walking amongst the whitewashed houses. Over lunch we sail to Leros, the island of Artemis the God of hunting. We will drive to the capital, Platanos to see the Pandeli Castle which overlooks Agia Marina offering wonderful views. The Battle of Leros was a central event in World War II and we will also visit the War Museum and Commonwealth Cemetery before returning to the vessel.
Day 9 Nisyros & Symi. Arrive this morning at the small island of Nisyros. From the port of Mandraki we drive to the Polyvotis Volcano named after the Titan imprisoned under the rock of Nisyros during the battle with the gods. Here we will learn more of the legends and have the chance to walk into the caldera. Alternatively, maybe wander through the village or visit the archaeological museum. Later we will sail to Symi where we moor overnight.
Day 10 Symi & Rhodes. Spend the morning on the island of Symi, a small, mountainous and much indented pretty island. The harbour of Gialos is particularly attractive and we have time to stroll through the colourful cobbled streets. In the mid-afternoon we sail to Rhodes arriving in the late afternoon and moor overnight.
Day 11 Rhodes to London. Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for the scheduled flight to London.
*Please note that the 14 June & 23 September 2025 departures operate in the reverse direction to that shown from Rhodes to Athens. Full itinerary can be viewed online.
PRICES & INCLUSIONS
Special offer prices per person based on double occupancy start from £4495 for a category D cabin.
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
Economy class scheduled air travel • 10 nights aboard the MS Monet on a full board basis • House wine, beer & soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Port taxes.
NB. Ports and itinerary are subject to change. All special offers are subject to availability. Travel insurance is not included in the price. Our current booking conditions apply to all reservations.
years ago
The flint mines at Grime’s Graves were dug over 4,500
DIGGING DEEPER
This project has been made possible thanks to generous support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Even today, mining is a difficult and dangerous job –but imagine it 4,500 years ago. At an ancient flint mine in Norfolk, new facilities will mean it’s easier than ever to step back into the Stone Age when the site reopens
WORDS HARRIET COOPER PHOTOGRAPHS MIKE HARRINGTON
rime’s Graves, near Thetford in Norfolk, is often described as a lunar landscape. But it’s not until you approach this Neolithic flint mine along a mile-long drive that you start to get the measure of this extraordinary place. A field of gently undulating grassy mounds spread across several acres remains as evidence of more than 430 mineshafts painstakingly dug using rudimentary tools more than 4,500 years ago. For today’s visitors, there will soon be a one-of-a-kind opportunity to descend into an excavated mineshaft and see the prized flint the miners unearthed.
GThe story of this prehistoric site actually began some 100 million years ago, when Britain was covered in warm seas, which were home to marine creatures, from sharks to sea sponges. When they died, they sank to the sea floor where they were gradually compressed, becoming alternating layers of flint and chalk. This area, which sits on high ground between the rivers Wissey
‘These highly skilled miners used deer antler picks to scrape away the chalk’
and Little Ouse, was particularly rich in flint – something that didn’t escape the notice of the Neolithic people.
‘They would have had such a deep understanding of the natural world,’ says properties historian Jennifer Wexler. ‘These mines were dug at a time when a lot of the major Neolithic monuments, like Stonehenge and Avebury, were being built. Grime’s Graves would also have taken lots of planning. Whole communities would have been working here, most probably on a seasonal basis.’
These highly skilled miners, including men, women and children, used deer antler picks to scrape or score the chalk and prise out chunks of flint. They dug deep – sometimes as far down as 13 metres – to access the most prized shiny, jet-black stone. Once brought to the surface, this valuable commodity was either shaped into flint tools, such as axeheads, arrowheads and disc-shaped knives for their own use, or traded across the country. Over a period of around three months, the miners dug a pit, extracted all the stone they could, before moving on and doing it all over again. Some of the finished mines were backfilled with chalk, while others were left open during the winter.
Fast forward several millennia and Grime’s Graves has once again been a hive of activity. The site has undergone
A new ladder enables visitors aged seven or over to go into the mine shaft
a series of major improvements during a two-year project called Digging Deeper, designed to enrich the experience for visitors. ‘We wanted to make the history of the site really clear and exciting,’ says Wexler. ‘After all, it’s one of the few places you can go and explore a world created by people 4,500 years ago.’
The first stop will be the visitor centre, which has been transformed to make it brighter and more spacious, with a refreshed exhibition space and shop. Newly installed information panels in the exhibition chart the story of the site, from the first pits opening in 2650 BC to the last phase of flint mining around 1500 BC. These also reveal the origins of the site’s unusual name, along with details of the archaeological excavations of the mineshafts from the mid-1800s onwards.
include flint tools discovered during the project, along with fossils and antler picks. A handling collection and a 360-degree virtual tour of one of the excavated pits will add to the experience.
Another focus of the improvements is to encourage visitors out into this remarkable landscape. Grime’s Graves is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and nature is abundant.
Grime’s Graves is due to reopen soon. Please check the English Heritage website before visiting
The heathland is home to a diverse range of plants and insects, which in turn attract bird life such as skylarks or stone curlews.
The most significant change though is the addition of an accessible building over the entrance to Pit 1, which was excavated in 1914 and is the only mineshaft open to the public. This new circular structure has been designed by architects MawsonKerr to reference the Neolithic sense of community – its timber and glass frame blending in with the surrounding terrain. Visitors will approach the entrance via a sloping snailshell ramp, each slat of its wooden railing laser-etched with the site’s timeline.
Three new films will be projected simultaneously on to a table to detail the site’s complex chronology, explain its geographical context and show modernday flint knapper Dr James Dilley making a flint axe on site. New objects on display
To help visitors explore, two outdoor trails, one aimed at a younger audience, have been introduced, with numbered ranging poles and information panels highlighting eight key areas of interest. These include Grimshoe Mound, a spoil heap from a nearby pit that took on new meaning during the Anglo-Saxon and medieval period. There’s also a new audio experience – a conversational, podcast-style guide with Time Team’s archaeologist Phil Harding – that provides a more intimate introduction.
Once inside, a mural by Margate-based artist Rebecca Strickson will line the walls and information panels will explain mining techniques and the value of flint. It’s here you will be able to don a hard hat and descend nine metres down into the pit, passing layers of flint and chalk as you go. At the bottom of the mineshaft,
‘New objects include flint tools discovered during the project, fossils and antler picks’
you’ll spot the six galleries (tunnels) the Neolithic miners dug outwards to access more of the floorstone, along with the rope marks where they hauled up their precious cargo thousands of years ago.
The experience will now be all the more engaging thanks to a short film projected on to the interior of the pit. Created by artist James Norton, it tells the story of Grime’s Graves in three chapters covering the geology, the process of removing the flint and the evidence of the rituals and beliefs of the miners.
‘After the flint was mined, they would leave objects such as carved chalk in the mines,’ says Dickon Whitewood, curator of collections and interiors for the east of England. Another such ‘object’ was the skeleton of a dog found buried with a pig knuckle between its paws. ‘It builds a picture of this ceremony where they gave thanks for the flint they’d taken.’
As the film is projected on to the chalky walls, you’ll see the miners going about their day-to-day business, from extracting the flint to feasting and making an offering, brought to life across the chalky walls. ‘The film’s been designed to capture the magic and mystery of the site,’ says interpretation manager Mary
Above Flint was knapped into tools such as arrowheads, axeheads and knives
Canham. ‘The accompanying audio is also quite poetic, to give visitors an emotional connection as well as the facts.’ Visitors who can’t access the pit can also watch the film at ground level.
With an outreach plan that includes volunteer programmes, discovery days and expert-led tours, the Digging Deeper project promises to give visitors a better grasp of the history of the site and a stronger connection with its creators.
‘These individuals not only understood the importance and functionality of flint, but they were also doing the job of structural engineers,’ says Whitewood. ‘Though it was dangerous, they mined successfully for hundreds of years. These were clever and sophisticated people.’
Dig deeper
Please check www.english-heritage.org.uk/ grimesgraves for opening information.To learn about volunteering opportunities, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/volunteer
Land of the ancients
Explore life in prehistoric England at these other ancient sites
Castlerigg Stone Circle, Keswick, Cumbria
With panoramic views and a mountainous backdrop, Castlerigg is perhaps the most atmospheric stone circle in England. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ castlerigg-stone-circle
Chysauster Ancient Village, Penzance, Cornwall
Wander among Chysauster’s cluster of stone-walled houses in this late-Iron Age and Roman-British settlement. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ chysauster
Maiden Castle, Dorchester, Dorset
One of the most impressive Iron Age hill forts in Britain – its ramparts enclose an area the size of 50 football pitches. www.english-heritage.org.uk/ maiden-castle
Whole communities of Neolithic people worked at the mines
Left Interpretation manager Mary Canham in the new visitor centre
Your latest offers
Have you seen our latest Members’ Rewards? We’ve curated a selection here that showcase what we offer across travel and lifestyle, and you can find the full range online at www.english-heritage.org.uk/rewards
Save 5% on all Leger Holidays
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Why a Leger escorted tour is such a great holiday
Choose a trip to Europe this summer
From the moment your Leger holiday starts, you can simply sit back, relax and enjoy. Leger ensures everything is taken care of with its carefully curated escapes, so take in the beautiful passing scenery and socialise with fellow passengers as you travel from place to place.
Leger lets you enjoy the best Europe has to offer. With historic cities, rustic towns, breathtaking coastlines and sparkling lakes waiting to be explored, you’ll see Europe’s most beautiful sights and hidden gems.
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To redeem all of these offers and more, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rewards
Start a new journey
Hornby is more than a hobby – it’s a lifetime’s journey. It’s been inspiring model railway builders for more than 100 years, and still offers everything from starter sets for kids to locomotives, rolling stock, track, buildings and scenery.
Isle of Wight travel for less
Start planning a trip to the beautiful Isle of Wight with discounted ferry travel from Red Funnel. With a route between Southampton and East Cowes, it’s a great way to explore English Heritage sites such as Osborne and Carisbrooke Castle.
Extra holiday entitlement with The Holiday Property Bond
Join over 40,000 investors in the Holiday Property Bond, and you could be relaxing in a choice of over 1,400 stunning properties in more than 30 locations. HPB can give you an affordable alternative to owning your own holiday property, offering unrivalled flexibility and inflation-protected holidays. As a member, you’ll receive a 5% bonus to your holiday entitlement when you become a bondholder. Please read ‘Exclusive holidays for life’ on page 56 to understand the risks as well as the benefits of an investment.
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Update your skincare regime with this great offer from grüum, which is on a mission to make skin and hair care more friendly. Get a limited-edition skincare bundle worth up to £32 and just cover the cost of postage.
Save on luxury holidays
Book a holiday with Riviera Travel by 30 April 2024 and you can enjoy a fantastic discount of £100 per person. Riviera Travel is also the supporter of Members’ Week in April – find out more about this great offer by turning to page 19.
To redeem all of these offers and more, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rewards
SAVE 10% WITH YOUR ENGLISH HERITAGE MEMBERSHIP
Explore history where it happened
To mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, Ambassador Cruise Line is offering two cruises, taking in the Normandy beaches and some of the British Isles’ most scenic and historic locations
This year marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day – the Normandy landings on 6 June 1944 that laid the foundations of the Allies’ victory in Europe in May 1945.
To commemorate this historic event, Ambassador Cruise Line is running two D-Day 80th anniversary cruises, giving you the chance to sail to Normandy and see where the momentous landings took place, along with other scenic locations in France and around the British Isles.
The D-Day 80th Anniversary Voyage encompasses St Mary’s on the Isles of Scilly, St Peter Port on Guernsey and the Normandy beaches in France. Alternatively, the Round Britain D-Day 80th Anniversary Voyage includes Anglesey in Wales and Cork in Ireland, as well as the beaches of Normandy.
Both cruises will also feature a special lunch menu made with rationed items, themed vignettes, a Great British deck party with afternoon tea, and a remembrance service.
Depending on the voyage you select, you will either set sail on Ambition or, for the Round Britain Voyage, Ambience. Both offer a range of cabin accommodation providing your homefrom-home during the trip. Along
‘Sail to the Isles of Scilly, Guernsey and the beaches of Normandy’
with en-suite facilities and ample storage space, each cabin has a range of amenities and personal touches, from tea and coffee-making facilities to a flat-screen TV with films, news, documentaries and ship information channels. For added luxury, Ambassador also has deluxe, premium and junior suites with their own private balcony and sitting area.
When it comes to dining, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Whether you want to enjoy something from the relaxed al fresco grill, experience Ambassador’s speciality Asian restaurant, Saffron, or indulge in an exclusive dinner experience at the Chef’s Table, there’s something to suit all tastes.
To unwind after a busy day, you can choose from a variety of lounges
and relaxed bars. Both ships offer a wide range of entertainment options, including an extensive theatre programme, along with a pool, spa, gym, shopping galleria, bridge and card room, library and much more. Whichever cruise you select, you can relax in the knowledge that you’ll be able to enjoy no-fly cruising from one of eight regional UK ports, meaning you can enjoy yourself sooner without any queues, luggage restrictions, exchange rate worries or fuss at the airport – all combined with great value for money.
Your exclusive offer
English Heritage members can save 10% on any voyage with Ambassador Cruise Line. Simply use the promo code HERITAGE10. To redeem the offer and for more information, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/rewards
CHOOSE YOUR D-DAY CRUISE:
D-DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY VOYAGE
2 JUNE, 6 NIGHTS
Begin your voyage with a stop in Guernsey’s St Peter Port, with its museums, historical gardens and pretty beaches.You’ll then sail to Le Havre, which was almost completely rebuilt after the Second World War.Your ship will then anchor off the Normandy beaches, before venturing to the stunning St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly.
ROUND BRITAIN D-DAY 80TH ANNIVERSARY VOYAGE
4 JUNE, 13 NIGHTS
You’ll begin your voyage in Portsmouth, where military and naval units departed for Sword Beach in 1944.After anchoring off the Normandy beaches, you’ll then visit the pretty fishing town of Honfleur.The return leg of your journey takes in several islands, including the Isles of Scilly,Anglesey in Wales, and Ireland’s Cobh for vibrant Cork.
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You’re one step away from a lifetime of wonderful holidays
If you would like to know more about HPB, please read ‘Exclusive holidays for life’, on the left, and then request your free Information Pack today.
An initial payment from £5,000 and a quarterly fee of just over £37 (that is around £150 a year), which can increase in line with but not exceed the Retail Price Index Excluding Mortgage Interest (RPIX), gives you access to all HPB’s holiday homes. For each HPB holiday, you will pay a no-profit user charge covering only property running and maintenance costs and use of on-site facilities. The average charge is the same throughout the year, and for a studio is around £360 a week and £540 for a two bedroom property. Larger properties are also available. After an initial charge of 25% your money is invested in a fund of holiday properties and securities. The fund itself meets annual charges of 2.5% of its net assets at cost, calculated monthly. Your investment return is purely in the form of holidays and, as with most investments, your capital is at risk. You can surrender your investment to the company after two years or more (subject to deferral in exceptional circumstances) but you will get back less than you invested because of the charges referred to above, as well as other overheads and changes in the value of the fund’s properties and securities. This advertisement is issued by HPB Management Limited (HPBM), the main UK agent and the property manager for HPB, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, registered at HPB House, Newmarket, Suffolk, CB8 8EH. HPB is available exclusively through HPBM. HPB is issued by HPB Assurance Limited (HPBA) registered in the Isle of Man and authorised by the Financial Services Authority there. HPBM promotes only HPB and is not independent of HPBA. Holders of policies issued by HPBA will not be protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme if the company becomes unable to meet its liabilities to them but Isle of Man compensation arrangements apply to new policies.
Sibton Park
Blore Hall
Over 200 free events to choose from
Enjoy a special week of free events, including Stonehenge stone circle access, behind-the-scenes tours, kids’ activities and more, from 6–14 April
PLUS Easter Adventure Quests, Knights’ Tournament, WWII Weekend, Pirates!, St George’s Festival and exclusive Members’ Events
Springtime adventures
Make the most of the months ahead with these fun-packed events, from Easter Adventure Quests to swashbuckling pirate action. For complete listings, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
We’ve got a cracking programme of events for you this spring, kicking off with our Easter Adventure Quests, taking place around the country in March and April. Can your kids track down the hidden Easter eggs? Younger visitors will also love The Big Brick Build, their chance to help create a LEGO® Brick sculpture at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, Belsay Hall in Northumberland and more. In late April, you can celebrate the patron saint of England at St George’s Festival at Wrest Park in Bedfordshire – enjoy
a weekend of activities culminating in England’s most legendary battle. There’s more family fun to be had over May half-term, with our nationwide Kids Rule! events, taking place from Battle Abbey in East Sussex to Chesters Roman Fort in Northumberland, and our Pirates! event at Pendennis Castle in Cornwall, packed with swashbuckling shenanigans. Further ahead, why not take part in Great Big Green Week in June? As well as garden tours, there are workshops on composting, cuttings, bird feeders and much more. For full details, go to: www.english-heritage.org.uk/events
Spring highlights
WWII WEEKEND
This year’s WWII Weekend at Dover Castle in Kent will mark the 80th anniversary of D-day. Visitors will be able to inspect a full-size replica of a Spitfire, listen to stories of commando raids and experience an explosive new battle display – complete with armoured vehicles and pyrotechnics.
KNIGHTS’ TOURNAMENT
Get up close to the action as rival knights compete in the ultimate test of strength and skill at Bolsover Castle in Derbyshire and Battle Abbey in East Sussex. Experience the pageantry, excitement and action of the fearsome tournaments that took place in days gone by.
MORE KIDS’ EVENTS
For even more familyfriendly events, go to www.english-heritage. org.uk/family-events
Spring
Members’ Week
Bookings open on 18 March
From 6–14 April, we’re running a series of free events, supported by Riviera Travel, exclusively for members.To book, and for full listings, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/membersweek
L London SE South East SW South West EE East of England EM East Midlands WM West Midlands Y Yorkshire and the Humber NW North West HW Hadrian’s Wall NE North East Family-friendly
Mon 8 Apr, 10.30am & 12.30pm VICTORIAN VALUES
DISCOVERY VISIT
Audley End House and Gardens, Essex EE
Experience the life of a Victorian servant, take part in some of their daily tasks and explore the service wing.
Access: Moderate
Mon 8–Fri 12 Apr, 1.30pm KIDS HAVE-A-GO PLANTING AT BELSAY HALL
Belsay Hall, Castle and Gardens, Northumberland NE
Join our gardens team for a family-friendly planting session. Our gardeners will show little ones how to plant and take care of different types of seeds each day this week.
Access: Easy
Kids Have-a-Go Planting
Tue 9 Apr, 10am & 1pm
EXPLORE HELMSLEY FINE ART AND SOCIAL HISTORY STORE
Helmsley Stores, York Y This tour, led by members of the collections team, will highlight some of our favourite pieces, their stories and how we manage the collections in our care.
Access: Moderate
Tue 9 Apr, 10am, 11.15am & 1.30pm 60 YEARS OF THE CORBRIDGE HOARD
Corbridge Roman Town, Northumberland HW
Join collections curator Frances McIntosh to delve into this time capsule of objects and discuss why it was buried and not recovered.
Access: Moderate
Tue 9 & Thu 11 Apr, 10.30am GARDEN PROJECTS & HIDDEN FINDS AT BRODSWORTH HALL
Brodsworth Hall and Gardens, South Yorkshire Y
Discover the secrets behind our latest projects. Explore the grounds and see how the team brings the gardens back to life in the spring.
Access: Easy
MEMBERS’ WEEK SAVINGS
Enjoy an exclusive 20% discount in our shops and cafés*
Enjoy exclusive access
Tue 9 Apr, 11am & 12.30pm BEAK, HOOF AND FIN: ANIMALS & ELIZABETH I’s 1575 VISIT
Kenilworth Castle and Elizabethan Garden, Warwickshire WM
Discover what animals would have been present during Elizabeth I’s visit and why they were so important.
Access: Moderate
Tue 9 Apr, 1pm
TOUR OF THE GARDENS AT WALMER CASTLE
Walmer Castle and Gardens, Kent SE
Join us for a tour of the stunning gardens. Explore the grounds, learn how these gardens are cared for, and maybe even pick up some tips and tricks for your own garden.
Access: Moderate
Tue 9 Apr, 2pm SHINING A SPOTLIGHT ON KENWOOD’S SPOTLIGHT TALKS
Kenwood, London L
Find out what goes into making Kenwood’s Spotlight Talks, which explore the site’s interiors, collections and the people connected to the property.
Access: Easy
Wed 10 Apr, 7.30am
STONE CIRCLE ACCESS
Stonehenge, Wiltshire SW
Gain a fascinating insight into the World Heritage Site with an exclusive, expert-led tour around the monument, including early morning access to the stone circle at Stonehenge.
Access: Moderate
Wed 10 Apr, 1.30pm BOLSOVER CASTLE: THE HOUSE THAT CHARLES BUILT
Bolsover Castle, Derbyshire EM
Join our local guide for a tour of Bolsover Castle and discover ‘the house that Charles built’. Take a closer look at the different styles and changing tastes in design that led to a gentleman’s retreat that was a mix of styles and an enigma. Some parts of the tour may require climbing stairs.
Access: Moderate
Thu 11 Apr, 1pm THE MONASTIC HISTORY OF WHITBY ABBEY
Whitby Abbey, North Yorkshire Y
Join senior properties historian Dr Michael Carter for an insight into the centurieslong history of the monastic communities of Whitby Abbey, from the founding by St Hild to the demolition under the Suppression of 1539.
Access: Moderate
Thu 11–Sun 14 Apr, 2pm A CLOSER LOOK AT IRON BRIDGE
Ironbridge, Shropshire WM
Join our team of volunteers on a tour of the world’s first iron bridge to discover the secrets of Britain’s industrial past. The bridge was erected over the River Severn here in Shropshire in 1779 and marked a turning point in English engineering.
Access: Moderate
Fri 12 Apr, 10.30am & 1.30pm
ACROSS THE CENTURIES AT MOUNT GRACE PRIORY
Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire Y
Join senior properties curator Dr Mark Douglas for a tour through the centuries of history at Mount Grace Priory. Explore the site’s history, from the Carthusian monks right through to the Arts and Crafts styling of the Bell family.
Access: Moderate
Fri 12 Apr, 11am
MIDDLEHAM CASTLE TOUR
Middleham Castle, North Yorkshire Y
Join our historian for a guided tour of Middleham Castle. Discover the history of this once-magnificent castle and its association with one of England’s most infamous kings – Richard III. Please note, there are some stairs to navigate and the ground may be uneven.
Access: Moderate
Sat 13 & Sun 14 Apr, 2pm
DISCOVER LETOCETUM: WALL ROMAN SITE
Wall Roman Site, Staffordshire WM
Join our guide for a tour around the site and find out more about the lives and work of the Roman officials, soldiers and imperial messengers who might have passed through this key staging post on Watling Street, the Roman military road to north Wales.
Access: Moderate
Don’t miss our virtual events
Online Members’ Week events you can take part in wherever you are
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to any of our in-person events that are taking place as part of Members’ Week, as we have an abundance of free online events available exclusively to members. Take a virtual tour of the store at Wrest Park to see ‘orphan’ blue plaques that have been removed from demolished buildings and discover the fascinating stories behind them. Or you can learn how to take fabulous photos of our sites with a photography masterclass. Younger members won’t want to miss the chance to attend Pirate School, while a kids’ cookalong will give chefs-in-the-making the chance to try out some historical recipes. Check the website for full details of the online programme and book your spot now. www.english-heritage.org. uk/membersweek
Young members can sign up for Pirate School
Across the Centuries at Mount Grace Priory
A Closer Look at Iron Bridge
Members’ Events
Bookings open on 18 March
Meet our experts and enjoy special access to sites as part of these events, which are held exclusively for members. For full listings, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/members-events
L London SE South East SW South West EE East of England EM East Midlands WM West Midlands Y Yorkshire and the Humber NW North West HW Hadrian’s Wall NE North East Family-friendly
Thu 9 May, 10.30am EXPERIENCE YORKSHIRE SALTAIRE WALKING TOUR
Bradford, West Yorkshire Y
Join us on a walk through the World Heritage Site of Saltaire, one of the earliest examples of a model village. Find out about the architecture and the lives of the people who lived here. £25. Access: Moderate
Wed 29 May, 10.15am INTRODUCTION TO CHESTER: WALKING TOUR
Chester, Cheshire NW
The 2,000 years of history in Chester means that the city can be described as having a Roman foundation, a medieval middle and a Victorian top. Join our tour guide John McFerran to discover the city’s fascinating story. £25. Access: Moderate
Fri 7 Jun, 10am
GREEN MAN STONE-CARVING WORKSHOP
Old Wardour Castle, Wiltshire SW
Enjoy a unique experience this summer with stone carver Tom Clark. Discover the centuriesold art of stone carving in a picturesque setting in this hands-on guided session. £90. Access: Moderate
Sat 15 Jun, 11am
YORK’S HIDDEN QUEER HISTORY
Clifford’s Tower, York Y Historian Kit Heyam reveals the hidden queer history of York. On a walking tour of the city centre, you’ll discover stories of Roman trans women, 19th-century lesbian marriages, and the origins of the UK’s first ever gay pride march. The tour will finish at the Yorkshire Museum. £22. Access: Moderate
Wed 26 Jun, 11am MOUNT GRACE PRIORY
HEAD GARDENER TOUR
Mount Grace Priory, North Yorkshire Y
Led by head gardener James Taylor, explore the grounds of the priory and go behind the scenes to see how the team brings the gardens to life. £20. Access: Moderate
Join senior properties historian Paul Pattison for a walk along the Dart between two of its historic fortifications, Dartmouth Castle and Bayard’s Cove. £25. Access: Challenging
Sat 29 Jun, 11am
LEEDS’ HIDDEN QUEER HISTORY
Woodhouse, Leeds Y
Kit Heyam reveals the hidden queer history of Woodhouse and the university area of Leeds. You’ll hear stories of lost gay bookshops, lesbian minibus activism and queer squats. £22. Access: Moderate
Thu 4 Jul, 11am PORT SUNLIGHT & THE LADY LEVER GALLERY Port Sunlight Village, The Wirral NW
Explore the model village created by William Lever and built by over 30 different architects, plus enjoy a guided tour around the Lady Lever Art Gallery. £22. Access: Moderate
Head Gardener Tour
Green Man Stone-Carving Workshop
‘I took a journey of discovery to make the most of my membership’
After becoming an English Heritage member, Will Blight decided to combine his twin passions for castles and cycling with an epic tour around the UK
I’ve only been an English Heritage member for a year but I wanted to make full use of my membership. So I came up with the idea of a huge cycle trip around the coast of England, Wales and Scotland, including some Scottish islands, visiting castles and other historic sites. This was partly to raise money for a good cause and partly as an adventure for myself. I don’t think there is enough adventure in our lives! I based my trip around visiting castles as I have an interest in them, in particular ruined ones. I got to see 29 English Heritage castles in all. To think of the number of people over the centuries who have either lived in them or visited them is staggering.
The first English Heritage castle I got to was Portland Castle in Dorset. It is a fine stone fortress, one of Henry VIII’s best defences, built when there was the risk of French and Spanish invasion in the 1540s. I was startled to discover that Sir Walter Raleigh had once been a governor there. Warkworth Castle in Northumberland was also a fantastic place to explore, and Castle Rising Castle in Norfolk was an awesome spectacle. My English Heritage membership also gave me discounted entry at Historic Scotland sites. My particular favourite was Dirleton Castle in East Lothian.
My trip took seven months to the day to complete, and I covered 4,913 miles. I mostly stayed in
GOT AN INTERESTING STORY?
Email us at membersmagazine@ ourmedia.co.uk
DID YOU KNOW?
English Heritage cares for more than 100 castles, forts and defences – from Cromwell’s Castle on the Isles of Scilly, one of the few surviving Cromwellian fortifications in Britain, to the medieval Berwickupon-Tweed Castle and Ramparts in Northumberland, a site that was crucial to AngloScottish warfare.
‘To think of the number of people who have lived in these castles is staggering’
campsites but occasionally had to stay in B&Bs and hotels, usually due to bad weather. Sometimes I feared I’d be riding through the night but, although I did arrive after dark a couple of times, fortunately it never happened.
When I set out each day, I never knew how far I would get. It would depend on my choice of route and the severity of hills or headwinds. If I got over 25 miles I was happy, generally. The furthest I did was Kinlochewe to Ullapool in the north of Scotland, some 59 miles and a day I won’t forget in a hurry. When I finally completed the trip, it was a mixture of sadness and relief. It was a mammoth effort every day but I’m very pleased I did it. It was an awesome way of seeing the country while making the most of my English Heritage membership in the process. www.english-heritage.org.uk/castles
Will at Portland Castle in Dorset with his trusty Brompton bike and trailer
20 questions
To mark World Heritage Day, which takes place on 18 April, test your knowledge of the English Heritage properties that form part of World Heritage Sites
1 Roughly when does the stone circle at Stonehenge (above) date from?
A 3000 BC
B 2500 BC
C 1000 BC
2 Who gave Stonehenge to the nation in 1918?
3 Which stone circle is the largest in Britain?
4 In which year was Stonehenge first designated a World Heritage Site?
5 St Augustine’s Abbey (below) is just outside the walls of which Kent city?
6 It is thought that St Augustine’s Abbey may have been the birthplace of which monumental artwork?
7 Jewel Tower was built in the 1360s as a store for treasure within the palace of which king?
A Edward III
B Richard I
C Henry V
8 Which common unit of volume, still in use today, was devised in Jewel Tower (below) in the 1860s?
9 The Chapter House of Westminster Abbey was originally used in the 13th century by which type of monks?
10 Hadrian’s Wall (below) became a World Heritage Site in 1987. But when did construction of the wall begin?
11 How long is Hadrian’s Wall?
12 Can you unscramble the name of this site on Hadrian’s Wall?
FORWARD MORBID TALONS
13 Chesters is the most complete example in Britain of what type of Roman fort?
14 The garrison at Carrawburgh Roman Fort was initially made up of soldiers from where?
A North-east Spain
B Northern Italy
C South-west France
15 Can you identify this fort on Hadrian’s Wall (bottom)?
16 In which decade in the 20th century was the Corbridge Hoard of Roman artefacts discovered?
17 After it fell out of use, the Temple of Mithras on Hadrian’s Wall was incorporated into what?
Log into the Members’Area at www.english-heritage. org.uk/quizzes to check your answers
A Roman bathhouse
B Roman rubbish tip
C Roman shop
18 In which county can you find the Iron Bridge (below)?
19 What unlikely animal crossed the bridge in 1932?
20 St Mary’s Church, Studley Royal, has been called the ‘ecclesiastical masterpiece’ of which flamboyant Victorian architect?
Jemima Grey at Wrest Park
After inheriting Wrest Park in Bedfordshire from her grandparents, Jemima began shaping the gardens she had grown up in
WORDS DR ANDREW HANN ILLUSTRATION SUSAN BURGHART
Jemima, Marchioness Grey inherited Wrest Park from her grandfather, Henry, Duke of Kent when aged just 17. She had endured a difficult childhood. Born in Copenhagen in 1722, where her father was an envoy at the Danish court, she was brought up at Wrest by her grandparents, the Duke and Duchess of Kent, following the death of her mother, Amabel, when she was only four years old. Soon after, the duchess died, the duke remarried, and Jemima was packed off to a house in Chelsea. But she continued to spend her summers at Wrest, developing an enduring affection for the gardens. By the age of 12 it was clear that Jemima would be the duke’s sole heir, so she returned to live at Wrest. During her teenage years, she was tutored by the astronomer, mathematician and garden designer Thomas Wright, who taught her surveying in the gardens and
‘It was not long before Jemima turned her thoughts to improving the gardens’
shared his enthusiasm for a new informal style of gardening.
In May 1740, Jemima married Philip Yorke, eldest son of Lord Chancellor Hardwicke. A fortnight later, the duke died, and Jemima inherited his estates and a mountain of debts. Despite this, it was not long before Jemima turned her thoughts to improving the gardens. On 13 October 1748, she wrote to her friend Catherine Talbot, ‘I am called upon to visit my Workmen at the Serpentine Canal who are adding to its meanders and improving it very much. It is at present the great object of my attention.’
In the Mithraic Glade, Jemima, Philip and their coterie of friends created a faux altar and rustic root house that drew inspiration from the group’s literary exploits. In 1758, they commissioned landscape designer Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown to soften the edges of the garden and join together its canals to create a single sinuous sweep. When the work was complete, they erected a monument to Brown on which was inscribed, ‘These Gardens originally laid out by Henry Duke of Kent, were altered and improved by Philip Earl of Hardwicke & Jemima
Marchioness Grey, with the professional assistance of Lancelot Brown Esq in the years 1758, 1759, & 1760.’
Despite the professional assistance, Jemima had a clear vision for the gardens at Wrest. It was a vision shaped by her tutor, Mr Wright, but, above all, by her clear affection for the gardens in which she grew up.
Explore the gardens
For more details or to plan a visit to the gardens at Wrest Park, go to www.english-heritage.org.uk/wrest
Celebrating 40 years of Riviera Travel
Join the party in our 40th anniversary year!
March 2024 marks Riviera’s 40th Birthday. Whilst our holidays have changed over the years, our mission is simple: to curate an exceptional holiday experience for every guest – exploring the places you can’t wait to see with people you can’t wait to see again.
We offer European and worldwide curated tours, plus luxury fivestar river cruises, exciting journeys by rail, along with Mediterranean Yacht cruises, a dedicated collection for solo travellers and a Walk and Discover range allowing you to incorporate a little more activity to your holiday.
In celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are offering members an exclusive discount of £100pp, when you book your next holiday with Riviera Travel.
