These outbuildings are where Winston had his art studio. He was an avid and accomplished artist who painted to relax from the strains of governing. It now houses his large collection of paintings.
It is a beautiful home suitable for a Prime Minister of England from the aristocracy but a homey one, not overly ostentatious, a true family residence suitable for entertaining. No pictures were allowed inside the house but the grounds creating the view from the house are stunning.
These are the famous black swans.......
And the flowers just coming into bloom were utterly gorgeous......
Don't miss this house if you are ever in the area.
Next stop was Arundel castle, home to the Dukes of Norfolk. If you are familiar with British history you know that the Norfolks were always involved in intrigue. One was the uncle of Ann Boleyn and played a huge part in her relationship with the king. Unfortunately, he and the next three generations of his family ended up on the block for their plotting and scheming! After seeing this castle I couldn't help but wonder why they sought even more power, this place was magnificent!
Once again, no photos inside, so you will have to take my word for it that it is one HUGE, over the top, beautiful place with these incredible vaulted ceilings, grand staircases and spectacular rooms.
Here is the interior courtyard.....
And two of the exterior gates providing access to the castle...
After leaving we visited Chichester Cathedral. Southern England has a copious amount of stunning cathedrals and ancient old churches.
It also contains beautiful tapestries dating back a thousand years and the oldest sculpture known in the land....
And this 2000 year old floor under the church that once belonged to a Roman villa....
Being the consummate romantic I am, I was especially taken with this 13th century tomb holding the bodies of the earliest occupants of Arundel Castle. It must have been true love because it is the only tomb in England showing the husband and wife holding hands......
Our last stop was Bosham, a small village with the most unusual tide I have ever seen. Those boats are high and dry as far as the eye can see. When the tide goes out, it really goes out and when it comes back in, it floods the road.....
Our final stop was this tiny 1000 year old church most well known for being shown on the world famous Bayeau Tapestry....
Tomorrow we are off for Romsey, and Southampton!!
No comments:
Post a Comment