William Gibbs: Saint or Sinner?
Join us on weekdays in November for a special tour of the Tyntesfield Chapel
- Booking not needed
- Free event (admission applies)
On this interactive tour, you’ll learn about Tyntesfield’s chapel, built for William and Blanche Gibbs in the 1870s. We’ll look at the Gibbs family’s Christian faith, and about the huge sums they donated to charity. But we’ll also consider how the family made their fortune and at the human and environmental costs of that activity.
At the National Trust, we want to tell the fullest possible histories of the places in our care. It’s important that our interpretation is broad, fair, balanced and clearly evidenced. Sometimes, that means covering uncomfortable subject matters. We also want to listen and learn, and to encourage discussion and debate. So on this tour, we’ll be presenting two different sides to Tyntesfield’s story. And, at the end of the tour, we’d like to hear from you. Was William Gibbs a saint, a sinner – or somewhere in between? And, finally, how do you think we should tell his story at Tyntesfield?
Times
Prices
Event ticket prices
This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.
Check admission pricesThe basics
- Suitability
Not suitable for children (age 16+ only)
- Meeting point
Please collect a ticket from the Welcome Building. The tour will start from the bottom of the chapel spiral stairs. This is a 10 minute walk/shuttle bus ride from the Welcome Building.
- What to bring and wear
Please dress appropriately for the weather. Layers and sturdy shoes are advisable.
- Accessibility
The tour leads you up 20 spiral steps into the chapel. Please let us know if you are not able to manage these steps, as we can arrange for you to enter the chapel through an alterative route. The route also has a fairly steep slope with no handrail. Steps in the chapel make the event unsuitable for wheelchairs. There will be the opportunity to sit down once you are in the chapel.
- Other
Booking on arrival at Welcome building. Tickets for the tour will be handed out on a first come first served basis. Please pick up a ticket from the Welcome Building on arrival.
Upcoming events
Gendered Spaces and Social Status Tour
Explore how 19th century gender roles played a vital part in the architecture, working, and leisure life at Tyntesfield – and discover whether or not they are still relevant today.
Tyntesfield Wassail 2026
Come celebrate the new year with us with our annual wassail, including dancing, singing and a blessing of the apple orchard
Tyntesfield Book Club (Sorry, event full)
A new Book Club for reading enthusiasts
Introduction to Green Woodworking
Learn the basics of bodging with the Somerset Bodgers.