David Lowsley-Williams, 1933-2023
It is with sadness that we announce that David Lowsley-Williams died on Easter Saturday (8 April 2023), peacefully at Chavenage, the house in which he was born 89 years earlier and in which he and Rona had lived since their marriage in 1958, surrounded by his family and two dogs.
Trusted friend, loyal colleague and valued mentor to many, from the classrooms of his prep-school Gilling Castle, the racquets courts of Eton, during National Service with the 11th Hussars, in Malaya, the lecture halls of Wye College and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The drill halls of the RGH Yeomanry, the magistrates’ benches of Tetbury and Cirencester; the local tennis courts, particularly during the inter-hunt tennis tournaments. The Hunting field of the Beaufort, being the Monday Field Master and a steadfast member of the Finance and the Hunt Committees.
The local Point-to-Point circuit, notably Didmarton, being distinguished Chairman of the Beaufort Point-to-Point Committee for many years. The slopes of the Alps, Gstaad and Klosters being his favourites. The fairways, greens and sometimes the rough of the Minchinhampton Golf Course. As the commanding officer of the Wessex Yeomanry and full Colonel with the wider Yeomanry. The village Hall at Beverston, being the Chair for many years, from branch meetings of the local N.F.U. In the his role of Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Gloucestershire, from the Stewards Room at the National Hunt courses of Stratford, Warwick and Worcester. At meetings of the regional Historic Houses Association, as well as for many years a member of the HHA Executive Committee. From the squash court and the attics of Chavenage, where he established his beloved model railway, though most notably in his role of guide, where he felt it was his privilege to show so many around his home.
He touched so many lives and his legacy at Chavenage endures, with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren living on the estate, alongside the many visitors, functions and events at the house even to the present day with the current filming of ‘Rivals’ at the house.
Memorial Service at St. Marys’ Church, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8JG, at 2pm on Thursday 27th July 2023.
Trusted friend, loyal colleague and valued mentor to many, from the classrooms of his prep-school Gilling Castle, the racquets courts of Eton, during National Service with the 11th Hussars, in Malaya, the lecture halls of Wye College and the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester. The drill halls of the RGH Yeomanry, the magistrates’ benches of Tetbury and Cirencester; the local tennis courts, particularly during the inter-hunt tennis tournaments. The Hunting field of the Beaufort, being the Monday Field Master and a steadfast member of the Finance and the Hunt Committees.
The local Point-to-Point circuit, notably Didmarton, being distinguished Chairman of the Beaufort Point-to-Point Committee for many years. The slopes of the Alps, Gstaad and Klosters being his favourites. The fairways, greens and sometimes the rough of the Minchinhampton Golf Course. As the commanding officer of the Wessex Yeomanry and full Colonel with the wider Yeomanry. The village Hall at Beverston, being the Chair for many years, from branch meetings of the local N.F.U. In the his role of Deputy Lieutenant for the County of Gloucestershire, from the Stewards Room at the National Hunt courses of Stratford, Warwick and Worcester. At meetings of the regional Historic Houses Association, as well as for many years a member of the HHA Executive Committee. From the squash court and the attics of Chavenage, where he established his beloved model railway, though most notably in his role of guide, where he felt it was his privilege to show so many around his home.
He touched so many lives and his legacy at Chavenage endures, with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren living on the estate, alongside the many visitors, functions and events at the house even to the present day with the current filming of ‘Rivals’ at the house.
Memorial Service at St. Marys’ Church, Tetbury, Gloucestershire GL8 8JG, at 2pm on Thursday 27th July 2023.
Visits
We hope that when you visit us, you will feel that you are in the relaxed atmosphere of a family house. At Chavenage you can escape into the peaceful surroundings of a Cotswold manor, virtually unchanged for 400 years.
Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage.
Caroline Lowsley-Williams, Chavenage.
Update, 10 April 2023
Statement from Caroline Lowsley-Williams:
Chavenage House continues to welcome visitors via reservation.
Tours can be booked on any date at any – subject to availability. We currently have no capacity mid-June.
- Group visits at £12 a head, with a minimum group size of 21. If under 21 persons, a base rate of £250 will be introduced.- Individuals added to a pre-booked group – Adults £12 Children £6 plus £5 administration charge.
- Individual visits at a date to suit, i.e. a bespoke tour, at the base rate of £250
Given that elderly family members still live on the premises, individual visits under the previous open-door policy continue to be suspended. This will be continually assessed to ensure the safety of the estate and a new policy will be assumed in due course (/at a later date). Keep checking in for updates and we hope to welcome individual visits again soon.
THE OFFICE
Remains open – tel +44 (0)1666 504696, or email caroline@chavenage.com for any enquires.
Thank you for your co-operation and understanding.
Brochure downloadPoldark and Chavenage
Look who is walking through Chavenage House !! Poldark page
Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family pile, owned by Charles Poldark (played by the late Warren Clarke), and actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury.
Sunday Times article
Wilts and Glos article
Come and see 'Trenwith', the Poldark family pile, owned by Charles Poldark (played by the late Warren Clarke), and actually 'played' by Chavenage House in Tetbury.
Sunday Times article
Wilts and Glos article
Latest videos!
De-Restricted E Bike Vs Ex-Pro Cyclist | Hank Vs Hank's Dad REMATCH Global Cycling Network, 24 April 2021
In a previous video, Hank managed to beat his dad, George, who was riding an E-Bike but hadn't ridden a bike in 20 years. We decided it was high time for a rematch, but this time George had an ace up his sleeve - he would be riding a de-restricted Canyon Grail On E-Bike to give Hank a proper test and see who would come out on top!
Pro Cyclist Vs. .....His Dad!? | Road Bike Takes on E-Bike, But Who is Faster? Global Cycling Network, 9 August 2020
Despite being the father of an ex professional cyclist, George Lowsley-Williams, also known as Hank's dad, hasn't ridden a bike in over 20 years! Hank decided it was time for this to change, and invited his old man out on one of his training loops so they could ride together for the first time.
Luckily for George, he had assistance in the form of an Orbea E-Bike so he could give Hank a run for his money on the hills!
"Absolutely excellent video in every way—great quality, brilliant editing, hilariously funny and in places quite touching. GCN at it’s best". GH.
Guest Speaker: Thursdays with Anne Diamond, with George and Caroline Lowsley-Williams - Viking, July 30 2020
Guest Speaker Thursdays are hosted by Guest Lecturers who would have been presenting to you onboard, or people who have led extraordinary lives. Legendary BBC broadcaster Anne Diamond launches our first Guest Speaker Thursdays, with a treasure trove of stories from her broadcasting days.
In a previous video, Hank managed to beat his dad, George, who was riding an E-Bike but hadn't ridden a bike in 20 years. We decided it was high time for a rematch, but this time George had an ace up his sleeve - he would be riding a de-restricted Canyon Grail On E-Bike to give Hank a proper test and see who would come out on top!
Pro Cyclist Vs. .....His Dad!? | Road Bike Takes on E-Bike, But Who is Faster? Global Cycling Network, 9 August 2020
Despite being the father of an ex professional cyclist, George Lowsley-Williams, also known as Hank's dad, hasn't ridden a bike in over 20 years! Hank decided it was time for this to change, and invited his old man out on one of his training loops so they could ride together for the first time.
Luckily for George, he had assistance in the form of an Orbea E-Bike so he could give Hank a run for his money on the hills!
"Absolutely excellent video in every way—great quality, brilliant editing, hilariously funny and in places quite touching. GCN at it’s best". GH.
Guest Speaker: Thursdays with Anne Diamond, with George and Caroline Lowsley-Williams - Viking, July 30 2020
Guest Speaker Thursdays are hosted by Guest Lecturers who would have been presenting to you onboard, or people who have led extraordinary lives. Legendary BBC broadcaster Anne Diamond launches our first Guest Speaker Thursdays, with a treasure trove of stories from her broadcasting days.
Reviews
We visited on Bank Holiday Monday and were captivated by the atmosphere and warmth of Chavenage.
I just wanted to extend my appreciation of the tour provided by (and I beg his pardon if I remember his name incorrectly!) David Lowsley-Williams as the tour he provided was such a refreshing change from the "average guided tours" provided by so many! We had the opportunity to exchange a few words with a very pleasant female family member after the tour and found her gracious and charming. How lovely that the family are so willing to ensure that their visitors feel a valued part of Chavenage. Thank You. I shall be enthusing the charms of Chavenage to friends and colleagues.
Laura-Jaine
This is undoubtedly the best guided tour we have ever experienced. Caroline’s delivery of the potted history of both the family and the house is excellent and hugely entertaining. Although tours are between 2 and 5pm on both a Thursday and Sunday, one needs to arrive promptly in order to benefit from the full two hour tour. We will definitely return and would highly recommend a visit. Excellent value for money!
Ashley C
Laura-Jaine
This is undoubtedly the best guided tour we have ever experienced. Caroline’s delivery of the potted history of both the family and the house is excellent and hugely entertaining. Although tours are between 2 and 5pm on both a Thursday and Sunday, one needs to arrive promptly in order to benefit from the full two hour tour. We will definitely return and would highly recommend a visit. Excellent value for money!
Ashley C
Access
Disabled Access.
Chavenage is an Elizabethan building retaining many of its original features (dating from before 1576). As a result, there is unfortunately no wheelchair access, and there are steps and uneven floors throughout the house.
Health and Safety Advice.
In the gardens there are uneven surfaces, non-edible plants, low branches, and slippery surfaces in wet weather. In the building there are some steep stone steps, low doorways, uneven and slippery floors, and other steps not immediately obvious. Children should always be accompanied while visiting Chavenage.
Chavenage is an Elizabethan building retaining many of its original features (dating from before 1576). As a result, there is unfortunately no wheelchair access, and there are steps and uneven floors throughout the house.
Health and Safety Advice.
In the gardens there are uneven surfaces, non-edible plants, low branches, and slippery surfaces in wet weather. In the building there are some steep stone steps, low doorways, uneven and slippery floors, and other steps not immediately obvious. Children should always be accompanied while visiting Chavenage.
