Events

Behind the Shutters at Polesden Lacey

26th January 2022, 10:15 - 12:30

 

Behind the Scenes at Polesden Lacey
Great Bookham
10.15am – 12.30pm

 

 

The house the Grevilles bought in 1907 was practically a new building. They employed Mewès and Davis, the architects of the Ritz hotel, to help transform the interiors of their new weekend retreat. One thing was for sure – Mrs Greville wanted her house to impress.

Following the death of her husband Ronnie, Super-rich socialite, Dame Margaret Greville, was the last private owner of Polesden Lacey. Between 1908 and 1942 Polesden was her weekend retreat and the place where she entertained royalty, politicians and celebrities at lavish weekend parties.

On her death in 1942, ‘Maggie’ left the property and most of its contents to the National Trust, with the Royal family benefitting from an assorted chest of jewellery, items of which frequently grace members of the Royal Family today.

During our visit we will hear from the General Manager, Kathryn Mills, how the National Trust is organised and more specifically how the 1,400 acre Polesden Lacey Estate operates. The recent pandemic has hit the National Trust hard, with more than a £200 million loss in revenue. How has it weathered this storm?

We will then break into two groups for a ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour of the house, visiting parts of the building not normally open to the public and looking at some of the conservation work that is being undertaken whilst the shutters are across.

Join us afterwards for an optional lunch in the Granary Café in the Stable yard (not included in price). Please let us know in the comments box if you wishing to join us for lunch.

Cost to Members: £20
Cost to Non-members: £30

The payment for this event to Polesden Lacey will be put in a fund towards purchasing a MountainTrike for use by less mobile visitors to the property. For more information, please click here.

Please wear clothing appropriate to the weather conditions (eg hat/warm fleece/waterproofs) and bear in mind that the House can be cold during the winter months.

This event is not suitable for children and/or pushchairs or dogs.

This is an old property and there are many steps and steep stairs to negotiate during the tour. There are no lifts available.   Toilets are available.

NOTE:   National Trust advise that face coverings are not compulsory but they recommend that they are worn in any area on the visit which is enclosed and crowded.

We ask all attendees to follow the prevailing advice on social distancing during this event. If government advice alters prior to the event, we may implement changes or cancellation at short notice.

Deadline for booking 19 January 2022.

Any enquiries please contact us at info@surreyhillssociety.org.


By continuing and making a booking you confirm that you have read, understood, and agree to the Terms & Conditions specified in our Cancellation Policy and Responsibility Statement, both of which can be viewed by clicking here


Bookings

This event is fully booked. If you wish to have your name on our waiting list, please let us know via email or contact form.

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