Dorothy Una Ratcliffe at Acorn Bank

‘Gypsy caravan’ at entrance to Acorn Bank

We fell in love with Acorn Bank at Temple Sowerby a few years ago, and love visiting the gardens in all seasons. Chris also enjoys their plants for sale selection, and usually comes home with a couple of hardy specimens. I particularly enjoy the connection to Dorothy Una Ratcliffe who owned the property in the mid 20th Century.

There are many hints around the house and garden to Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's ownership, although the National Trust doesn't make much of her books and legacy. I was really sad to see that her portrait had been removed; I'm hoping that it's just been taken away for cleaning. 

There are many connections to Dorothy Una Ratcliffe in the house, if you know where to look. 

 Dorothy Philipps (DUR's married name) on an ornate drainpipe.

Initials etched on a window in the entrance hall.

 

 

 

 

But, I suspect the main connection with Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's books and legacy is the gypsy caravan at the entrance to the Hall and Gardens.

Ratcliffe was a big fan of the gypsies, she suspected that she had gypsy blood. She owned a gypsy caravan, wrote extensively about gypsies and caravanning, and travelled around Scotland in a caravan with one of her (three) husbands.

A number of her books feature gypsies and caravans, in particular, Lillilows, The Cranesbill Caravan and Mrs Buffey on Caravanning.

 

I like to think that the National Trust is acknowledging Dorothy Una Ratcliffe's gift to them as well as her literary output and legacy. I certainly hope they are!