The York Newman Circle visited Gilling Castle on Saturday 10th July. There were 16 in the party and the talk and tour were given by Fr Anselm Cramer, Archivist of Ampleforth.
Fr Anselm gave us a very good history of the Castle, starting with the period when the Castle was a Norman stronghold. He gave us a history of the Fairfax family who occupied the house until the 19th century. In particular, he featured Charles Gregory Fairfax, 9th Viscount of Emley (1700-72), who added massively to the decoration of the Castle. His daughter, Anne, had a direct link with the foundation of Ampleforth through her chaplain, Fr Bolton.
After visiting the Castle, we were shown the beautiful gardens. Most of us then went and had lunch at Ampleforth in the excellent tea rooms and visited the bookshop. All our members commented very favourably on this excellent day out.
John Rayne-Davis, Marketing Officer, York Newman Circle