One of the Great Seals of Queen Elizabeth I will be among letters, documents and artefacts highlighted by a County Durham castle in honour of the coronation of King Charles III.
Raby Castle, near Staindrop, will be shining a spotlight on its royal connections for the first time, as it showcases records from its family archive for the public.
On May 27, archivist Gabriel Damaszk will showcase original records which highlight the castle’s Royal connections.
From visitors’ books to royal correspondence, the session will give a fascinating insight into Raby’s eventful past, including delving into the Neville and Vane family histories.
Amongst the treasures shared during the session, visitors will cast their eyes on the castle’s collection of majestic royal Great Seals, some the size of a saucer.
At the forefront is the Great Seal of Queen Elizabeth I, who confiscated Raby Castle from Charles Neville, 6th Earl of Westmorland, following his involvement in the failed plot to depose her during the infamous Rising of the North.
The Great Seal, depicting Elizabeth I on horseback, was used by the monarch to approve official documents, with the wax pressed by a specially designed metal matrix, cast during her 45-year reign.
In addition to this icon of the Tudor era, visitors will also witness a beautifully illuminated pedigree scroll, commissioned by William Vane, the 3rd Earl of Darlington, in 1821.
With a lineage dating back to the Norman era, the scroll traces his family tree back to Monmouth, the area from which the Vane family originates.
This invaluable genealogy document highlights the complicated family connections and alliances across the centuries and even gives a glimpse into the family’s ambitions and aspirations.
“Raby Castle’s past has been consistently interwoven with the Royal story over its 1,000-year history,” said Lord Barnard.
“Our archive is an absolute treasure trove of original records and documents, that explore the continued connection between the castle and the monarchy.
“We have a very talented team, including an archivist and curator at Raby, and I am delighted that visitors will be able to explore Raby’s history in more detail this May, inspired by the King’s coronation."
Further events are planned on the Royal theme, including the ‘Raby and Royals Tour’ on May 8.
Guests will be escorted around the castle by a knowledgeable senior guide, who will highlight the Royal connections found in paintings, artefacts and items of memorabilia to tell the castle’s unique stories. The tour will also include access behind the scenes, visiting rooms created for important visitors, such as the State Bedroom, and will be a chance to see items made for Royal guests including the Prince Regent who visited in 1806.
Along the route, children will be encouraged to participate in the ‘Raby Royal Children’s Trail’, with lots of clues and pointers, highlighting even the most subtle Royal references in the grand series of rooms.
To conclude the coronation celebrations, on Sunday, May 14, the Entrance Hall will be the setting for an elegant ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’. Guests will be treated to a tour of the castle by a senior guide, followed by the opportunity to tuck into delicious feast, fit for a King.
- Tickets for the ‘Spotlight on the Archives’ and ‘Raby and Royals Tour’ events start from £25. The Raby Royal Children’s Trail is included in the price of admission. A second archive tour will also be taking place on June 24. Tickets for the ‘Royal Afternoon Tea’ start from £30, including a glass of fizz.
More information and opening times can be found on the website www.raby.co.uk/raby-castle/
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