Introducing The Old Laundry Gallery at Muncaster

Nestled in the heart of The Stable Yard at Muncaster Castle, The Old Laundry Gallery is a simple, characterful space now hosting a changing program of creative exhibitions.

The gallery offers a unique backdrop for artists, makers, and community projects, all just a stone’s throw from the castle itself.

Whether you’re here for the views, the history, or a delicious meal from The Stables Café next door, be sure to step inside and see what’s on – you never know what you might discover.

FREE entry when visiting The Stables Cafe and Gift Shop in The Stable Yard - park in the Church Car Park. NOTE: May be closed on some days due to private functions - please call to check before travelling. Will be closed on 11 & 12 August due to private function.

Scroll down for current and upcoming exhibitions...

The hallowed halls and public rooms of Muncaster Castle have welcomed millions of visitors since 1968.  Yet, to date, only a few hundred have seen the attics and the cellars, the former servants quarters and corridors, the cupboards, workshops, larders, kitchens, pantries and privies that once were the kingdom of the practical hard-working folk who were the largely unseen powerhouse of the castle’s operations.  Butlers and Housekeepers. Maids and Footmen. Cooks and Bakers. Scullery Girls and Hall Boys.

The zenith of these facilities was in the 1880’s. When the Last Lord Muncaster's fortune's declined, so these spaces faded up until his death at the age of 83 during the 1st World War.

When his 1^st cousin, Sir John Ramsden, inherited in 1917, most of these rooms would have been refurbished and fitted with electricity by the early 1920’s.

But the tides of time were ebbing and life in most stately homes was changing irrevocably. After the 2nd World War, the use of these chambers to house a small army of servants, vanished forever.

It is now almost 100 years since these below stairs areas have been utilised in the way they were intended. Slipping gently into obscurity, they were either simply shut up or used to store a cornucopia of paraphernalia, artefacts and archives with no one having the time or opportunity to care, clean or record them.  The dust started to settle. Cobwebs created.

By the 1980s the roof was failing, leaks appearing, dampness and dry rot spreading, plus rust, general decay, moths and other insect infestations were moving in.

Yet there was hope. Iona, great granddaughter of Sir John, returned from working in Australia to live with her parents and tackle the gargantuan task of saving Muncaster from dereliction. New energy. New inspiration. New direction. After marrying local vet Peter Frost and becoming Iona Frost-Pennington, plans were formulated, grants and funding was obtained.

However, this led to huge disruptions of the upper floors and attics. As the roof works progressed, so too were objects moved from their original settings and had to be crammed together in the bedrooms of the maids and footmen. Stacks of chairs in one, piles of mattress and bed frames in others. Boxes and boxes of books, chests and trunks full of important papers and ephemera.  Suitcases full of uniforms, precious and rare textiles. Clutter of bric-a-brac, chamber pots, walking sticks, fishing rods, hat, clothes, and even swords and armour.

Into the 2020s. Stability has returned. With the consolidation, expansion and flourishing of the Muncaster businesses plus the involvement of expert staff, advisors and enthusiastic volunteers progress is being made. The roof is, on the whole, watertight. Ground source heating now keeps about 2/3 of the castle at a steady gentle heat. Gradually the collections and contents of the attics and cellars are being catalogued, rationalised and correctly stored. It is a time of great excitement. Yet there is much to do and these areas all too easily slip into being storage areas for the quirky paraphernalia of Muncaster’s popular special events such as Halloween.

Supported by his son Tom, expert photographer, Gary McKeating approached the Pennington family. With a fondness of exploring often unseen yet interesting places, Gary asked to do a snapshot record of Muncaster’s secret chambers and corridors.

The results of his expert yet discerning roving eye can be seen here. In a few photographs he has captured the essence of these abodes along with a few of its oddities and peculiarities. A snapshot of a moment in time populated by the ghosts and weird spirits of the people who lived here in earlier centuries. And of the family and staff still living and working here today. We hope you enjoy Gary & Toms’ exhibition………

Peter Frost-Pennington, 2025