Grimsthorpe Castle August 14.

The visit to this little known house and parkland in Lincolnshire proved to be a great day out. A number of members consider this to have been the most enjoyable trip in recent years. Currently a member of the Historic Houses Association, part of the property was built was built in the 13th century but the majority was added by Baron Willoughby de Eresby on the occasion of his marriage to Maria de Salinas, lady–in–waiting to Katherine of Aragon, in 1516. It has remained in the family ever since. Sir John Vanburgh added the front of the house in the eighteenth century and it contains important collections of tapestries, portraits and furniture including several thrones from the Palace of Westminster. After coffee on arrival, an hour long coach tour of the 3000 acres park was led by Mr Ray Biggs, the property administrator, who gave an extremely knowledgeable and fascinating talk on the grounds and house. This included the history of the whole site, areas of special scientific interest within the park and potential problems and diseases relating to the many hundreds of different variety of trees some of which were re–planted in the 17th century. We had a good lunch of quiche, salad and potatoes followed by an afternoon touring the house in guided groups. This left time to explore the gardens and have an ice cream and cup of tea before departing for home. A truly enjoyable and memorable visit.

Wednesday 12 August 2015

Capesthorne Hall and Gawsworth

Two historic houses near Macclesfield  in Cheshire proved to be another successful visit last August. We started  at Capesthorne Hall, an 18th century mansion originally designed by Smith of Warwick and set in beautiful grounds, where we had a very interesting and informative tour of the house followed by lunch. We then moved on to Gawsworth Hall, the  Tudor-built home of Mr and Mrs  Richards, who told us about the history of the house and showed us the beautiful little family  chapel with its  windows made  by William Morris. Once again the sun shone and there was time to visit the gardens and tea room.

Both of these privately owned houses showed us how the families had managed to keep and maintain the historic aspects of their homes in the present and also to take on new commercial activities to assist in the upkeep.

Wednesday, 13th May 2015 – Chavenage and Berkeley Castle.

Last May we visited these two spectacular places in Gloucestershire.

At Chevanage  we were entertained by members of the Lowesley-Williams family who told us about the history of the house as well as tales relating to the use of the house as Trewith Manor in the BBC TV drama production of Winston Graham’s ‘Poldark’. After a delicious lunch we moved on to Berkeley Castle. This  ancient castle has a complex history and is where King Edward II was imprisoned and murdered. There was also an opportunity to visit the butterfly farm and sit in the sun, having a cup of tea before the journey home.