Tyntesfield’s story is the rise, decline and rediscovery of an outstanding Victorian country estate. It was created by Richard Gibbs, the richest commoner in England in the mid-1800s. The Gibbs family business, built on overseas trade, expanded dramatically when it started importing guano. William Gibbs spent his resulting fortune on funding churches (including Keble College Chapel) and charitable work and on improving his family home. Tyntesfield was acquired by the National Trust in 2002 following the death of bachelor Richard Gibbs (2nd Lord Wraxall).

There will also be an opportunity for those who can arrive earlier to visit nearby Barrow Gurney Church. It was rebuilt for William Gibbs’ son in the 1880s and contains the Gibbs Chapel. (Those visiting might like to make a donation to church funds.)

The proposed timetable for the day is:
  * 11:00 Visit to Barrow Gurney Church
  * 12:00 Lunch at Failand Inn (at own expense)
  * 1.30 Assemble at the Tyntesfield Visitor Centre (NB: National Trust members MUST show their membership cards to gain free admission)
  * From 2.00 House Entry by Ticket (NB: the house is 10 minutes walk from the Visitor Centre)
  * 4.30 Tea / coffee at the  home of George Reah in Flax Bourton (3 miles by road from Tyntesfield)

George has been able to obtain a group booking for 30 people. A booking form, and a fuller description of the event, can be downloaded here.

Information on how to find each of Barrow Gurney Church, the Failand Inn, Tyntesfield and The Grange will be sent by email at the end of April to those reserving places.