Raby Castle

Springtime - A sunny but chilly day in March i decided to venture to Raby Castle in County Durham, Land of the White Rose (I am a Red Rose!) This was a visit i had been planning for such a long time as i often passed the entrance with the striking castle in the distance but never managed the time. I am so glad i waited as the family have finished what is the most tasteful, thoughtful, inspiring renovations i have seen in years!

History - Raby boasts a rich history spanning 600 years! It is among the most well-preserved medieval castles in Northern England. Originally held by the influential Neville family during the 13th and 14th centuries, the castle was constructed by John Neville, the 3rd Baron, between 1367 and 1390. Over the centuries, it has been continually transformed into the structure visible today. As you explore the castle grounds, you'll notice that each tower is dated, offering a remarkable glimpse into its evolution through different ownerships, as well as the preservation of this impressive castle. You have the most wonderful view of the Deer Park from around the castle wall (there were plenty of Deer to see too)

1415 - Cecily Neville was born - "The Rose of Raby." My interest in this deepens due to my passion for Royal History. I'm fascinated by how these historical places I visit often intertwine through families, as seen with the Yorkist royal line. I could delve deeper, but that would make for a long blog! In essence, Cecily Neville became a powerful and influential noblewoman. As the mother of Edward IV and Richard III through her marriage to the Duke of York, and with her granddaughter Elizabeth marrying Henry VII (Lancastrian Red Rose), she helped unite the Yorkists and Lancastrians, contributing to the end of the Wars of the Roses. She was the matriarch of the Yorkist Royal line. For anyone interested in the Wars of the Roses, this is definitely a rabbit hole worth exploring!

The Tudor Rose!

Raby stayed in the Neville family with Richard Neville the 5th Earl of Salisbury to Richard 16th Earl of Warwick (he happened to be one of the most powerful figures in The Wars of the Roses)

1569 - The Rising of the North - as is often the case, this event was tied to religion. Charles Neville, the 6th Earl of Westmorland, who was in command at Raby, allied himself with the Catholic uprising against Elizabeth I, but it was unsuccessful. By 1571, Raby was seized by the crown, and Charles died in exile in 1601. It's hard to grasp how a powerful noble family in England could lose everything so quickly.

Raby stayed within Crown control until is was purchased from Charles I by Sir Henry Vane in 1626. This marked the beginning of long term ownership by the House of Vane and still to this day.

By the golden age of the 19th Century Raby became a centre of aristocratic life, more expansions and grand rooms added with Gothic influence and this is what you see today. The Octagon Drawing Room is a must see and chatting with the very knowledgeable volunteer, the restoration involved to preserve even the ceiling was quite astonishing.

The Kitchens took my breath away - although set in Victorian style, they were built in 1360 and are still in their original medieval form. I literally could not take it all in and then i looked up....do ask the wonderful volunteers to talk you through the rooms and certainly this one is a must. I will not give anything away!

For me one of my favourite rooms has to be the Entrance Hall - not only impressive in structure with its Gothic revival style (which i am not always a fan of) but the ever so clever design to enable carriages to drive through the Entrance Hall! A roaring fire waiting for you after a long drive or horses being brought in to the Hall prior to a meet. How clever!!! I have not yet seen another historic house with this clever concept but i will endeavour to find one. Possibly another by the designer himself John Carr.

The Walled Gardens of Raby are quite spectacular and you can see the sheer passion, time , thought that has gone into the renovations. It really is quite outstanding. I was lucky enough to meet a lovely lady who literally guided me around a few of the buildings from the Stables, the Riding Barn and the Dutch Barn. Inside the stables you will see a very special wooden hand carved table (out of respect i did not take a photo of this as i think this is something you have to see) My lovely guide talked me through the whole visual and what a remarkable idea, the attention to detail in the visuals, sounds were outstanding. Do walk through to the tack room which, as a horse owner myself is quite impressive! Do wait around the stable and listen and look.....i will say no more!

The shop of course is always a good place to visit. - though i was hoping for books on Raby, the estate, the families and even the area. I did purchase from the florist a lovely gift for my mother in law and as for the Vinery restaurant (new construction but a recreation of the historic glasshouse that once stood in the same spot) - has to be my favourite so far! Not only did i visit for a scone for 11's with yes an Earl grey but went back in for lunch with another Earl Grey and yes the Earl grey was pretty good and the views across to the Castle just complete what was a very special visit.

Take a look at my photo of the water fountain - zoom in! - see anything?

The attention to detail at Raby through their renovation project , The Rising, is literally jaw dropping. From the building renovations to the design to the landscaping and even the quality of the food.

My husband (who is a historic house obsessive) even commented on the high quality of the car park as we pulled up! I was even impressed with the loo's and there were plenty too!! We loved it so much we joined as a member!

Fun fact: The deer are considered direct descendants of herds that have occupied the parkland since Norman times!

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Worth a visit - definite, and what's particularly special is that you can enjoy the Vinery with its stunning view of the castle without having to pay for entry. I know where I'll be stopping when I'm passing by and craving an Earl Grey! (and maybe a cake!)