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Grim's Dyke, London

W.S. Gilbert in his library at Grim's Dyke. This image is copyright free

Grim's Dyke is a large house in north London, designed by Norman Shaw in 1870. It is most famous as the home of William Schwenck Gilbert, the lyricist who, with composer Arthur Sullivan, wrote a sequence of hugely popular light operas in the 1870s and 1880s. Gilbert and Sullivan's greatest days were over in 1890 when Gilbert purchased Grim's Dyke. While Arthur Sullivan, unimpressed with his popular success, spent his later years rather unhappily seeking cures for his poor health in European health resorts, Gilbert enjoyed a much more settled retirement at Grim's Dyke. Though he was quite the country gent, some aspects of life at Grim's Dyke were rather more out of the ordinary. Gilbert created a fanciful zoo at his home, his collection including a lynx, lemurs and monkeys.

 

Gilbert died at Grim's Dyke on 19th May 1911, collapsing after going to the assistance of a young woman who had got into difficulties while swimming in his private lake. His wife continued to live there until her death in 1936. After being used as a hospital for many years, Grim's Dyke is now a hotel, which is active in preserving the link with W.S. Gilbert. There are regular evening dining events where visitors can enjoy a three course meal while watching a Gilbert and Sullivan show. There are special "Matinee Cream Teas" which include a guided tour and an opera. Every summer there is a Gilbert and Sullivan festival. Grim's Dyke would make a great visit for anyone interested in Gilbert and Sullivan. Click on the links below for information on shows and events, and to book rooms.

 

 

Directions: Grim's Dyke is about twelve miles from central London off the A410. The nearest Underground stations are Harrow-on-the-Hill, Stanmore, and Harrow-and-Wealdstone. Click here for an interactive road and satellite map centred on Grim's Dyke.

Address: Grim's Dyke Hotel, Old Redding, Harrow Weald, Middlesex, HA3 6SE

Access: Two rooms have been converted to allow full disabled access.

Contact:

Book Accommodation At Grim's Dyke

telephone: 020 8385 3100

web site: http://www.grimsdyke.com/