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Thomas Wentworth and the Jacobites - Rebels with a Cause

In the early 18th century, Thomas Wentworth became a secret agent for the Jacobites. Discover how Thomas shaped the landscape at Stainborough and uncover the hidden Jacobite symbolism of his political gardening at Wentworth Castle Gardens.

  • Booking not needed
  • Free event (admission applies)

Thomas Wentworth lived in politically turbulent times and was secretly involved in plans to remove the Hanoverian kings George I and George II from the thrones in favour of the exiled Stuart “King over the Water”, “James III”. To openly express his Jacobite sympathies would be considered high treason. His clandestine world of spies, coded messages and secret societies reads like a political thriller or a “who-done-it?”

Join garden volunteers Libby and Chris for a guided walk and learn about the life of Thomas Wentworth, discover how his Baroque landscape at Wentworth Castle was designed and built and find out how to decode the secret symbolism hidden in plain sight within Jacobite gardens and estates.

Times

Prices

Event ticket prices

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

Check admission prices

The basics

Accessibility

The route follows hardstanding paths up the gardens. For more information please visit the Accessibility page of our website. To pre-book a mobility scooter please call us, or email wentworthcastlegardens@nationaltrust.org.uk

Meeting point

Meet outside the Visitor Information Shed

Suitability for children

The talk is aimed at adults, but children are welcome

What to bring and wear

Wear strong walking shoes.

Other

Dogs are welcome, but please keep on a short, fixed lead.

Contact info

Business Services and Booking Enquiries

Upcoming events

Stranger Folk Digital Adventure at Wentworth Castle Gardens 

Gather your friends and family for an exciting digital adventure for imaginative folk aged 7+ to play together. This Autumn, British folklore sneaks into the real world, set against the backdrop of Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Event summary

on
16 Oct to 1 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 16:00+ 16 other dates or times

Orienteering at Wentworth Castle Gardens 

We've teamed up with South Yorkshire Orienteers so you can give orienteering a go any day of the year at Wentworth Castle Gardens.

Event summary

on
16 Oct to 29 Nov 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 36 other dates or times

Postcode Access Days 

Visitors from selected postcode areas — with S73 + S74 eligible on 16th and 17th October — can enjoy free entry on our Postcode Access Days, welcoming local communities to explore Wentworth Castle Gardens for free.

Event summary

on
16 Oct to 17 Oct 2026
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 1 other date or time

Pooch Passport Explorers 

Embrace the crunchy leaves and frosty mornings this Autumn and Winter with your pooch pal by your side. Complete your pooch passport with ten stamps to claim your reward. A paw-fect way to enjoy the great outdoors together.

Event summary

on
16 Oct 2026 to 28 Feb 2027
at 10:00 to 17:00+ 104 other dates or times