PRINCE Charles dropped in at Tyntesfield House, Wraxall, to see at first hand how millions of pounds had been invested in the famous Gothic mansion. The Prince was visiting the former home of Lord Wraxall, George Gibbs, in his role as chairman of the Nat

PRINCE Charles dropped in at Tyntesfield House, Wraxall, to see at first hand how millions of pounds had been invested in the famous Gothic mansion.The Prince was visiting the former home of Lord Wraxall, George Gibbs, in his role as chairman of the National Trust, which bought the house in 2002.He arrived by helicopter and then spent an hour and a half touring the Victorian mansion, meeting volunteers and youngsters working on community projects.Among them were pupils from St Mary Redcliffe School and members of the Brandon Trust, which supports people with learning and physical disabilities.His tour of the house saw him looking in on historic rooms such as the butler's pantry, billiard room and the impressive Gothic chapel. Tyntesfield was acquired by the Trust following a successful public appeal which raised £8.2 million in 100 days and a £17.4 million from the National Heritage Memorial Fund.The Prince has expressed an interest in finding out more about the way Tyntesfield will develop as a centre of excellence for craft skills. The Trust plans to create professional and training opportunities as part of its repair and conservation maintenance work on the house and wider estate.