PRIDE audio experience at Kingston Lacy.

Kingston Lacy National Trust House is an “Aladdin’s Cave” of artworks which include doors from the Vatican, marble flooring, and all manner of designs from across Europe. William John Bankes poured his heart and soul into the family house. Which he inherited in 1834 and left in 1841 never to return after he was caught for a second time in an uncompromising situation with a soldier.

Although he was never once present to assist with the work himself. His clear instructions were carried out by his sister Anne and brother George. Laws in England were strict at this time and William’s alleged homosexuality meant he was exiled to Europe and never allowed to legally return and live in his family home, which he adored and missed.

Glorious view from one of the landing windows.

PRIDE tells the non-verbatim story of William John returning to Kingston Lacy under the cover of darkness very late one Saturday night/Sunday morning to check the progress of the work carried out in the house by his sister following his clear instructions.

Set over nine audio recordings created by DORSET BORN THEATRE. The audience is taken on a tour of selected rooms the pair may or may not have been in as the siblings discuss the features, fittings and beautiful views from various rooms. There’s a sense of the deep affection shared by the couple and Anne’s fear for the family’s safety should William be caught in the house.

Of the many beautiful carved doors on display in the house.

Whether William ever returned to the house or not is completely your conclusion. Archived letters suggest he might have returned. However, with laws strictly forbidding his return as the family could have had the house removed from them by the Government and become homeless clear evidence accounts of this taking place never be risked.

A loophole in the law allowed Catholics to return to their church to pray on a Sunday from wherever they lived and leave. Hence the storyline setting the clear timing. This suggestion is raised in audio setting 10 by one of the volunteers, this section interviewed those who volunteered and their views on whether William John ever returned or not!

Part of the leather wall can be found in the Spanish Room (formerly the Gold Room).

DORSET BORN THEATRE company highlight the struggles and fear forced upon men for simply being true to themselves. Gay rights and freedoms only began the journey for equality in 1967 and the fight continues today for equality in the LGBTQ communities as people quite rightly so want the freedom to be themselves without fear of harm and persecution.

The depth of research and care that has gone into this 45-minute audio tour is a credit to the theatre company. Adding another depth to the tapestry of Kingston Lacy’s history.

Personally, I believe he might have returned once or twice to admire his vision and share a few hours with his beloved sister.

Do be aware that the audio guide doesn’t follow the natural layout of the house. Please ask one of the friendly volunteers for guidance if you get a bit lost.

For more information about Kingston Lacy and the story explaining more about William John’s passion for the house please use the link below.

https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/kingston-lacy/the-history-of-kingston-lacy

For more information about DORSET BORN THEATRE please use the links below.

https://www.rohangotobed.co.uk/

https://mobile.twitter.com/dorset_born

https://linktr.ee/dorsetborn