Saturday, June 27, 2009

[know your stately homes] part two of new series


1. Founded around 1140 as a Cistercian monastery, having been one of the most learned and wealthy monasteries for four hundred years. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536-41 it came into private ownership, and has been a charming country house ever since. The house is famous for its plaster ceilings, fine pictures and furniture. The gardens from late 18th C. and the highest powered fountain in England are all well worth a visit.

2. Started as a hunting lodge built in 1616/17 by the 13th Earl of Northumberland, in the Georgian period it was the country seat of the glamorous Lennox sisters. Notable are the State Apartments, with an Egyptian State Dining Room, grand Yellow Drawing Room and a breathtaking Ballroom. The walls are lined with fine collection of paintings (including a number from Van Dyck, Reynolds, Stubbs and Canaletto). Certain outdoor activities are also famous nearby.

3. King Edward I of England built it in the late 13th century, later to become a parliament. A long siege here during the Wars of the Roses inspired a stirring song. During the Civil War (1642-48), it was a Royalist stronghold.

4. Designed by Sir Charles Barry, visitors can trace the steps taken by the 5th Earl of Carnarvon when in 1922 with the Egyptologist Howard Carter he discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The parkland by 'Capability' Brown is spectacularly beautiful, featuring magnificent lawns, a walled garden, glasshouses and a fermery.

5. Was founded in 1120 for defense with walls six metres thick and in the 14th century the castle was transformed into a palatial home. During the English civil war Cromwell's troops demolished it. Scott was inspired to set a novel here. The Penny Magazine - July 31, 1835 had a long article about it.

Answers

Forde Abbey, Goodwood House, Harlech Castle, Highclere Castle, Kenilworth Castle

10 comments:

  1. I thought that one would not be too difficult. All right, I'll have to give just a few more hints next time.

    We are aware, aren't we, how to access the answers? They're embedded in the post.

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  2. I didn't get them either but I have been to two of them.

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  3. Could you tell us which two and how did you find them?

    I have to admit it's partly to see people's reactions to certain homes and if one or two stand out, they'll be on the agenda.

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  4. It is a while since I visited either so I haven't really got any photos I could show you. They are both ruins but Kennilworth is more extensive from what I can remember.

    I could recommend loads of places but one that stands out is Powis Castle, I love that place and have been several times.

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  5. and from part one - Chatsworth is well worth a visit.

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  6. Thanks for that - Powis comes up later in the series.

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  7. Great blog, thank you (not meant to sound patronising; but this type of comment inevitably does ... sigh).
    Not equipped to comment on many of the posts - but read them avidly just the same, finding them very informative and civilised. And am aware that lots of people read blogs, while few - very few! - actually comment (dispiriting for the blogger).
    Guesses?
    - Forde Abbey
    - Goodwood House
    - Harlech Castle
    - Er
    - Kenilworth Castle
    Ah, no wonder the National Trust rejected me for a permanent gig a couple of years ago ...

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  8. Well done, Phidelm. If you're new to this, you can get the answers by highlighting the white text underneath 'Answers'.

    And thanks for the kind words.

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