7th August 2024 – Rodmarton Manor and Corinium Museum

Rodmarton Manor
Rodmarton manor was built using local materials and local
craftsmen, between 1909-1929 by Ernest Barnsley. Barnsley was a
follower of William Morris, who was at the time one of the leaders of
the English Arts and Crafts movement.

At the time it was felt that furniture was being mass produced and
poorly made, and the house went on to be described by the designer
Charles Ashbee as the single best example of the Arts and Crafts
movement. Today, it remains as such, full of beautifully crafted
furniture and hanging tapestries. The gardens consist of a glorious
plot of 8 acre Cotswold garden, beautifully and lovingly tended.

Corinium Museum
The Corinium Museum in Cirencester, houses one of the largest
concentrations of Roman mosaics in the country outside of London.
Its highly significant finds and antiquities result from Corinium
Dobunnorum being the capital of Britannia Prima.

The day will consist of: Travel to Rodmarton by coach
Tea/Coffee & biscuits on arrival
Guided private tour of the house
Free flow of gardens
Buffet Lunch at Rodmarton
Travel by coach to Corinium museum
Return coach home

The cost for the day is £58 per person . Tickets will be on sale at the May meeting one hour before each lecture, and at future meetings if tickets remain.

May 15th 2024 – Grimsthorpe Castle, Gardens and Park Tour. The castle will be open especially for our visit.

In 1516 Grimsthorpe and its lands were presented by Henry VIII as a wedding gift to William 11th Lord of Willoughby de Eresby and his Spanish bride, Maria de Salanas, lady in waiting and confidante of Henry’s Queen Katherine of Aragon.

It now houses a remarkable collection of art and furnishings, and in addition boasts one of the largest collections of royal thrones and furnishings outside of the Royal  Palaces.  It is indeed a delightful mixture of Tudor and Baroque splendour!

The beautiful gardens consist of intricate parterres and box hedges, and includes a walled garden housing work from the Lettering Arts Trust.  The grounds themselves extend to almost 3000 acres, and red deer can frequently be seen roaming in the park.

The day will consist of:
Coach travel to Grimsthorpe Castle
Tea/coffee & biscuit on arrival
Private guided tour of castle
Free flow of gardens
Afternoon tea in ‘The Barn’
Guided coach tour of parkland with opportunities to disembark at various points.
Final tea/coffee break
Coach home

This event is SOLD OUT.