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The Wonderful Women of Gibside talk

Celebrate International Women’s Day listening to the colourful stories of six remarkable Bowes women and discover the tales of the female workforce that once lived at Gibside.

  • Booking advisable
  • Free event (admission applies)

“Strong women have been hugely significant in the history of Gibside, from Lady Elizabeth Bowes, the pickaxe wielding firebrand who fought to build the family’s fortunes, to the 20th century Elizabeth who refused the proposal of an heir to the throne and went on to save the estate for the nation.

Val Scully, North East history expert and author, will dive into the rich past of Mary Eleanor Bowes and her relations, whose lives span 300 years of Gibside’s history. Covering narratives from:

Elizabeth Blakiston Bowes (Mary Eleanor’s grandmother)

Eleanor Bowes (Mary Eleanor’s father first wife and namesake)

Mary Gilbert (Mary Eleanor’s mother)

Mary Milner (the mistress of Mary Eleanor’s son John and mother of her grandson)

Josephine Bowes (a French-born actress and granddaughter-in-law to Mary Eleanor)

The Queen Mother (Elizabeth Angela Marguerite Bowes-Lyon)

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

This event is free, but normal admission charges apply for the venue.

Check admission prices

The basics

Suitability

Designed for adults but children welcome.

Meeting point

Head up to Gibside Stables, across the courtyard is the cinema room where the talk will take place.

Accessibility

An access bus from visitor reception to the Stables will be available for those who need it. We recommend catching the bus no later than 11:10am to arrive in time for the talk. Electric mobility vehicles are available to hire, call 07712 535938 in advance to book. Call 07712 535938 for more access information.

Other

It will take 30 minutes from the car park to walk to Gibside Stables. Please allow enough time to arrive 5-10 minutes before the talk begins to avoid disruption. Val Scully is a popular scholar, we recommend booking to avoid disappointment. There will be seats for everyone however they are not allocated. Standing places are not available. Book in advance. If space allows walk-ins will be welcomed.

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