Gibside: a shocking example of NT neglect

Dear Editor,

Your recent newsletter asked for examples of where the NT is getting it wrong. Gibside up in County Durham is in my view quite a shocking example. 

The Jacobean ruins are neglected and surrounded by “temporary” security panels. Not only are there few NT houses in the North East of England, but such an early example should surely be celebrated, particularly with its connections to the Bowes and Bowes-Lyon families (the late Queen Mother and Bowes Museum).

We had a very interesting talk on site about the history of the property. However when I asked what was being done about the house, I was told the NT didn’t have any money to spend on it. I realise the house is too far gone to restore, but some access should be provided - it would seem a perfect opportunity to put in place a garden planting scheme such as the Lowther Estate have successfully done at Lowther Castle in the Lake District.

The NT has however found money to put in a high quality play area at the top of the site, plus a rope course through the woods.

The other real “miss” is the walled garden, the vast majority of which is just grass. Given the resurgence of gardening and the garden’s history, surely the NT could find volunteers to restore such a fabulous space. 

The NT has restored the mausoleum (closed when we were there) and the orangery appears to be being restored.

There was something in the literature saying that in 2018 the NT was developing a plan for the house. Even with Covid it surely can’t take that long to sort a plan out?

I am both a member of Restore Trust and a strong supporter the NT, but I agree that in the case of Gibside the NT have the wrong priorities. I hope this North-East jewel can be  brought back to life in the near future.

Yours faithfully,

Michael Anderson
Cotswolds