I Visit Raby Castle... One of England's Finest Medieval Castle's...

I Visit Raby Castle... One of England's Finest Medieval Castle's...

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A powerful exterior with a superb collection of art and artefacts.

Raby is without doubt one of the most impressive intact castles in the North of England. Built in the 14th century by the powerful Neville family, it has a long history. Home to Cecily Neville, mother of two kings of England, it was also the scene of the plotting of the Rising of the North and a Parliamentary stronghold during the Civil War.

The approach to the castle is particularly beautiful as its towers appear and disappear amongst the trees of the surrounding parkland with its ornamental lakes and herds of deer. The exterior with medieval towers, terrace and embattled walls dates back to the 11th Century.

Originally moated and accessed via a drawbridge, the Castle was built as a palace fortress.

It is characterised by a sequence of massive towers linked by curtain walls. It’s completeness is of national significance as a largely single-phase structure, with one twelfth century survival (Bulmer’s Tower).

The Nevilles, responsible for building the 14th century Castle which still stands today, continued to live at Raby until 1569 when, after the failure of the Rising of the North, the Castle and its lands were forfeited to the Crown. The 6th Earl of Westmorland was the last of the Nevilles to live at Raby Castle.

He fled from Raby in 1569 after The Rising of the North and died in exile in Holland in 1601.

In 1626, Sir Henry Vane the Elder, Member of Parliament and important member of Charles I’s household, purchased Raby from the Crown. The Vane family still own Raby, the present owner being the 12th Lord Barnard.

Behind its powerful fortifications, Raby Castle is our family home with many Medieval, Regency and Victorian interiors. We also have a range of art, textiles and furniture from England and Europe dating from the 17th to the 20th Century.

Family portraits by leading artists, 18th and 19th Century sporting paintings, including work by Sir Alfred Munnings, and important pictures such as ‘The Circumcision of Christ’ and ‘The Adoration of the Magi’ by Luca Giodano can be seen around the Castle.

Porcelain and sculpture ranging from Victorian copper cooking utensils to The Raby Tapestry on the floor of the Barons’ Hall are showcased in our rooms.

The 18th century Walled Garden has been recently remodelled by renowned garden designer Luciano Giubbilei with Lady Barnard. Together, they have laboured to create a stunning 5-acre vision, including the estate’s well-known yew hedges and the iconic Raby fig. In doing so, they have retained the gardens’ distinctive spirit; one in which the character of Raby and its rich history is deeply embedded.

Beautifully framed views and an unrivalled air of tranquillity have put Raby on the map of notable English gardens, and will delight horticultural novices and enthusiasts alike.

The Vinery proudly present handcrafted dishes and treats inspired or sourced from the beautiful Raby Estate.

Once home to thriving grapevines, these historic buildings are steeped in heritage. Today, we honour this legacy by carefully crafting each item with care and dedication, in collaboration with the estate’s skilled gardeners.

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LINKS
Raby Castle - https://www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/

SOCIAL MEDIA
Instagram -   / travelswithmarkpeter  

MUSIC
David Cutter Music - Embrace

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