top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureLinda Jane Holmes

A Royal Celebration at Ringwood Hall | Baroness Bolsover

Updated: Apr 18, 2022

Amidst the famous Derbyshire landmarks of Chatsworth House, Hardwick Hall and Bolsover Castle stands Ringwood Hall, an elegant Hotel and Spa complex.

Built in the early 1800’s by George Hodkinson Barrow when he married his beloved wife, widow Mrs Lowe, the couple made Ringwood Hall a fine family home boasting an impressive Victorian conservatory and gardens.


Baroness Bolsover, whose son was the 6th Duke of Portland, recalls visiting the ‘utterly charming’ Hall in the late 1880’s.

(Baroness Bolsover sits next to her son at the front of the carriage)

“I distinctly remember enjoying a delightful Afternoon Tea out on the terrace overlooking the gardens. Our hosts were impeccable.”

The Baroness Returns for a Golden Event

It was therefore with great delight that the Baroness recently returned to Ringwood Hall after almost 130 years, for a special Afternoon Tea to celebrate the Golden Wedding Anniversary of local poet and writer Lorraine Bytheway and husband Lee.

On this occasion, however, not only would the Baroness enjoy an Afternoon Tea, but she would also demonstrate her Victorian Afternoon Tea Etiquette skills to the unsuspecting guests.

“One simply cannot be seen slurping one’s tea in the great Portland Room”

The Baroness’s appearance at the Golden Wedding Anniversary celebration caused such a sensation that the next day Her Ladyship received the following letter

Dear Lady Bolsover

Thank you for partaking, on Sunday for Afternoon Tea,

Your arrival took them quite by surprise, causing quite a controversy!

Bolsover Castle to Ringwood Hall! Well, they really weren’t’ quite sure…

If it was ostentatious enough? they feared you may run for the door!

But you were very gracious, and the guests were well impressed!

As you checked Lord Bytheway’s fingernails and sniffed at the way his wife dressed!

In awe, they all copied you and the way you drank your tea…

Not one little finger was raised in the air! as far as I could see…

Lord James seemed most amused, as to “was it scone or scon”

By the time you had gently explained…his scon was most messily gone!

The Lords and Ladies were honoured, as your etiquette skills were shared,

Thank goodness there was no ‘bun fight’! and not one tiny ‘slurp’ was heard!

Amidst these sumptuous surroundings the room was filled with your essence…

The special celebration was enjoyed by all because of your Ladyship’s presence!


With kind regards

Lady X
 

Who is Lady X?

She certainly wasn’t on the guest list. However, there have been several sightings reported by locals and those working at the hall over the years, of a Victorian dressed lady roaming the house and gardens.

Could this possibly be former owner of the house, Mrs Hodkinson Barrow, keeping a watchful eye?


Whoever she is, Lady X is wholeheartedly grateful to the Victorian Baroness for returning and making sure this was an unforgettable Special Celebration in this truly splendid Victorian building.

 

Baroness Bolsover

Afternoon Tea Etiquette Talk

Perfect for any time of the day!

An ideal accompaniment at any Afternoon Tea Venue, Hotel, Group Talk, Event and Zoom Presentation

07930 259399

 

2 Comments


leeby16
Jul 31, 2021

Many thanks to the Baroness Bolsover for making our Golden Wedding Celebration so memorable… Our family and friends were Lords and Ladies for the day enjoying Vintage Afternoon Tea greeted by the Baroness. It was all a big secret until her entrance and then the fun began with a fabulous performance!

We will always remember our special day with a smile😊!

Kind regards

Lorraine and Lee Bytheway


Like
Linda Jane Holmes
Linda Jane Holmes
Aug 01, 2021
Replying to

Baroness Bolsover was delighted to be invited to your special celebration and share her etiquette skills with your most noble guests. Many thanks and warm wishes from Lady Bolsover.

Like
bottom of page