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Raby Castle will be opening its gates for the 2023 season on Wednesday 1st March with a new exciting addition to its famous Entrance Hall.
In honour of the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, the Raby state coach, dating back to the early 19th century and used by the 9th Baron and Baroness Barnard to attend the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, will be undergoing conservation throughout the year and will take pride of place in the hall.
The state coach, originally made for the Duke of Cleveland by Rigby & Robinson of Park Lane, London, will remain on show throughout 2023, as local conservators Bob Elsey and Laurie Endean-Olsen undertake their work, painstakingly repairing fabrics, removing the residue of discoloured polish and cleaning every inch of the elegant vehicle.
The family’s state carriage is a rare treasure, as during the conflicts of World War I and World War II, many estates’ carriages were dismantled to garner scrap metal to help the war effort. It is rare to find a carriage collection in such good condition, so this is a truly spectacular opportunity for visiting enthusiasts to see such a special item and is just a taste of what is to come for the Raby Coronation year.
Please note, the full carriage collection is not on public display.