Back in the Spring Barry bought us an annual membership to English Heritage, a non-profit organization set-up by the British government to preserve historical buildings and land as well as encourage their use and understanding. It provides access to the
over 400 historical sights in the UK. There is no shortage of castles, palaces,
manor homes, gardens, and ancient ruins. I never seize to be in awe of their
history and grandeur. We both like to imagine what it must have been like to live there in that period of time.
I have compiled some highlights of the places we have
visited so far. I will try and do better at providing some historical context
for the pictures, which is usually my husband’s shtick. While I am busy taking
photos he is dutifully listening to the audio guide provided. Then he shares
with me any of the interesting bits. (I am too easily distracted to pay
attention to the drone of the audio I admit!)
As we venture to more English Heritage sites we will
continue to share our experiences.
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| These first few pics are from Wrest Park, located in Silsoe, Bedfordshire. The last heir died in the first World War. This french style mansion sits on over 90 acres and includes beautiful gardens and landscapes. |
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| One of the things I remember about our visit to Kirby Hall and Garden were the abundant peacocks - so beautiful!This English heritage site is one of the greatest examples of Elizabethan and 17th century homes in England and was once owned by the chancellor to Elizabeth I, Sir Christopher Hatton. Although part of the mansion's roof was missing, other parts were intact and can be rented out. |
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| This sign and the next few photos were taken at Minster Lovell Hall and Dovecote in Oxfordshire. 'Any reasonable time' makes me smile because it is one of the many reasons I love the English - for their stoic civility. The Hall is a 15th century riverside manor house that belonged to Richard III's henchman, Lord Lovell. |
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| This old church is adjacent to the Minster Lovell Hall. Both Barry and I admired the little village the Hall was located in. |
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| Goodrich Castle was the first castle I visited, and was part of our long Easter weekend in Ross on Wye. Located in Herefordshire, work began on the castle in the late 11th century. It boasts one of the most complete sets of medieval domestic buildings that has survived among the English castles, including drawbridge, moat and dungeon! |
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| These last few pictures were taken during our most recent English Heritage visit a couple of weeks ago. The original castle was built in the 1120's by the royal chamberlain Geoffrey de Clinton . In 1563 Elizabeth I granted it to Robert Dudley the Earl of Leicester, whom is thought to have been the Queen's great love. She subsequently visited the palace on several occasions throughout her rein. |
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| The Elizabethan Garden was recreated based on the one that Robert Ludley had built for Elizabeth I for the 19 days of festivities during the Queen's visit in 1575. |
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| This is the Avery located in the garden, sadly Barry, nor I can recall the kinds of birds it inhabits, except canaries, Barry is certain about the canaries! |
