Nicola here. I imagine that a lot of people are, like me, missing their visits to historical houses and heritage sites, and can’t wait for a time when we can all go out and enjoy them again. Country house visiting has, of course, been a hobby for tourists for hundreds of years. One of the best descriptions of it in fiction comes from Pride and Prejudice, when Lizzie Bennett, in company with her aunt and uncle, visits Pemberley on their trip to Derbyshire. They are shown round by the housekeeper, giving Lizzie the chance to reflect on the house she could have been mistress of if only she hadn’t turned down Mr Darcy. The fact that Lizzie thinks that Mr Darcy is from home only to discover he’s just arrived, adds a wonderful, romantic twist to the story.
It’s fun to think that in normal times we can gawp at grand houses in the manner of our ancestors although these days a lot of places provide more entertainment for the visitor than you might have got in the eighteenth century with shops, tea rooms, exhibitions, talks and lots of activities for children. Heritage sites compete for our business in contrast to the past when it was considered an honour to be allowed to visit the home of the Duke of Wherever.
Something else that I thought was a modern phenomenon was the practise of offering reviews and feedback via Trip Advisor and
other sites. However in this it turns out I was wrong, as the visitors’ book at Nuneham Courtenay proves.
The mansion and flower garden at Nuneham Courtenay was created by the 1st Earl Harcourt, (1714 – 1777) and his son the Second Earl Harcourt (1736 – 1809). He was a friend of Rousseau and quite a political radical. He removed the coronets from his coaches and gave away the ancestral paintings. He employed Capability Brown to enhance the landscape around his house. Between 1778 and 1781 the park was turned into an idealised landscape with a hanging wood, lush meadows and a country view, as can be seen in this painting on the left. It was visible from the River Thames and one of the most popular ways to view the gardens was by boat. The Nuneham Park Fair, which the family established in the gardens during the 1770s was a very popular local event.
The 2nd Earl’s revolutionary inclinations mellowed into a benign paternalism over the years and he decided to be more egalitarian by opening up his parkland and flower gardens to the public. Two thatched cottages beside a lock on the river at Nuneham Dingle provided refreshments for visitors, including cold meats, tarts, cake and fruit with port, sherry, champagne and bitter ale to drink. This old postcard shows what an idyllic spot it was!
The gardens were open from May to September, much as many stately homes are now, and they 
proved a popular place to visit. A Visitors’ Book from 1815 – 1825 records the impressions of a number of people. Unfortunately, just as in the present, not all reviewers were kind. There were quite a few students and academics who would make the trip out from Oxford, get “drunk as lords” at the refreshment cottage and then write rude comments or naughty rhymes in the book. One commenter calling himself “David Doggerel” wrote in 1817:
“Well does the dinner and the day agree
The dishes are all cold and so are we.”
Lord and Lady Harcourt did not hold back in responding. Not for them the gracious reply or a discreet ignoring of critical remarks! Offending comments were either erased, torn out of the book, or the Harcourts would retaliate with sarcasm. On one occasion they wrote:
“All ladies and gentlemen who are ambitious to perpetuate their names by inserting them in the book should first learn how to spell them and if possible write legibly so that Lord and Lady Harcourt may at least have the felicity of knowing whom they accommodate.” They preferred "the polite tourist."
There were of course more august visitors as well as the common crowd; In 1780 King George III visited Nuneham, as did the Archduke of Austria. In 1815 Warren Hastings called. So did the Governor of Oxford Castle. These were treated as very special visitors, given a private tour and accommodated at the house. Lord Harcourt still had a respect for rank and consequence!
According to the Visitors’ Book most tourists were fairly local and all arrived by boat from 
Abingdon and Oxford. As early as 1815, Nuneham was the focus of several “works outings.” An Oxford company, Wyatt’s, arranged a trip for their employees. In 1817 the employees of Speakman and Fisher, a tailoring company, came out on a day trip and in 1824 Coles’ Coachmakers paid a call. In 1818 the Berkshire Yeomanry day trip ended in acrimony when the soldiers became very drunk. Other visitors disapprovingly referred to them in the visitors book as “drunken dogs.”
Other entertainment on offer included rowing and fishing on the Thames and in hot summers men would apparently bathe naked in the river! Some visitors commented unfavourably on the gardeners and greenkeepers who on one occasion threatened to shoot the ladies for walking on the grass before it had been cut. All in all it sounds as though Nuneham was a very entertaining day out!
I haven’t come across any other examples of 18th and 19th century visitors’ books although I’m sure there must be some, and I wonder whether visits to other stately homes were as eventful in the Regency period!
I will often sign a visitors book if there's one at the places I go to and I enjoy giving positive feedback though I'd probably refrain from calling other visitors "drunken dogs!" Do you write reviews of places that you’ve visited? Have you had any particularly memorable trips? And where where would be the first place you’d want to go once Lockdown was lifted?
It never occured to me to write up the places we visit. Most of the visits have been to eastern sites that were in our reach while I was working in Manhattan. We just visited and enjoyed. Went home anb back to work, and planned our next visit.
We DID sign the guestbook, if a guestbook was on display. Name, and place us origin only. I guess were were polite, if silence is politness.
It never occured to me to write up the places we visit. Most of the visits have been to eastern sites that were in our reach while I was working in Manhattan. We just visited and enjoyed. Went home anb back to work, and planned our next visit.
We DID sign the guestbook, if a guestbook was on display. Name, and place us origin only. I guess were were polite, if silence is politness.
It never occured to me to write up the places we visit. Most of the visits have been to eastern sites that were in our reach while I was working in Manhattan. We just visited and enjoyed. Went home anb back to work, and planned our next visit.
We DID sign the guestbook, if a guestbook was on display. Name, and place us origin only. I guess were were polite, if silence is politness.
It never occured to me to write up the places we visit. Most of the visits have been to eastern sites that were in our reach while I was working in Manhattan. We just visited and enjoyed. Went home anb back to work, and planned our next visit.
We DID sign the guestbook, if a guestbook was on display. Name, and place us origin only. I guess were were polite, if silence is politness.
It never occured to me to write up the places we visit. Most of the visits have been to eastern sites that were in our reach while I was working in Manhattan. We just visited and enjoyed. Went home anb back to work, and planned our next visit.
We DID sign the guestbook, if a guestbook was on display. Name, and place us origin only. I guess were were polite, if silence is politness.
I always like to sign visitor’s books but can never think of anything witty to write! Some people have a real knack for it and even manage to rhyme (as you mentioned). It sounds like a wonderful book to browse! (PS. I wonder if Nuneham Courtenay used to belong to the Earls of Devon at some point in the past? Their surname was Courtenay and quite a few places associated with them had that tacked on).
I always like to sign visitor’s books but can never think of anything witty to write! Some people have a real knack for it and even manage to rhyme (as you mentioned). It sounds like a wonderful book to browse! (PS. I wonder if Nuneham Courtenay used to belong to the Earls of Devon at some point in the past? Their surname was Courtenay and quite a few places associated with them had that tacked on).
I always like to sign visitor’s books but can never think of anything witty to write! Some people have a real knack for it and even manage to rhyme (as you mentioned). It sounds like a wonderful book to browse! (PS. I wonder if Nuneham Courtenay used to belong to the Earls of Devon at some point in the past? Their surname was Courtenay and quite a few places associated with them had that tacked on).
I always like to sign visitor’s books but can never think of anything witty to write! Some people have a real knack for it and even manage to rhyme (as you mentioned). It sounds like a wonderful book to browse! (PS. I wonder if Nuneham Courtenay used to belong to the Earls of Devon at some point in the past? Their surname was Courtenay and quite a few places associated with them had that tacked on).
I always like to sign visitor’s books but can never think of anything witty to write! Some people have a real knack for it and even manage to rhyme (as you mentioned). It sounds like a wonderful book to browse! (PS. I wonder if Nuneham Courtenay used to belong to the Earls of Devon at some point in the past? Their surname was Courtenay and quite a few places associated with them had that tacked on).
I’m much the same, Sue! If there’s a visitors’ book I like to sign it but I don’t tend to go online to write a review. It’s nice simply to visit somewhere and enjoy it, isn’t it.
I’m much the same, Sue! If there’s a visitors’ book I like to sign it but I don’t tend to go online to write a review. It’s nice simply to visit somewhere and enjoy it, isn’t it.
I’m much the same, Sue! If there’s a visitors’ book I like to sign it but I don’t tend to go online to write a review. It’s nice simply to visit somewhere and enjoy it, isn’t it.
I’m much the same, Sue! If there’s a visitors’ book I like to sign it but I don’t tend to go online to write a review. It’s nice simply to visit somewhere and enjoy it, isn’t it.
I’m much the same, Sue! If there’s a visitors’ book I like to sign it but I don’t tend to go online to write a review. It’s nice simply to visit somewhere and enjoy it, isn’t it.
Ooh, interesting about the Earls of Devin, Christina. I will have to check the earlier history of the place. Like you I don’t try to be funny when I write in these things! I just don’t have the knack! But it’s lovely to record your visit, isn’t it.
Ooh, interesting about the Earls of Devin, Christina. I will have to check the earlier history of the place. Like you I don’t try to be funny when I write in these things! I just don’t have the knack! But it’s lovely to record your visit, isn’t it.
Ooh, interesting about the Earls of Devin, Christina. I will have to check the earlier history of the place. Like you I don’t try to be funny when I write in these things! I just don’t have the knack! But it’s lovely to record your visit, isn’t it.
Ooh, interesting about the Earls of Devin, Christina. I will have to check the earlier history of the place. Like you I don’t try to be funny when I write in these things! I just don’t have the knack! But it’s lovely to record your visit, isn’t it.
Ooh, interesting about the Earls of Devin, Christina. I will have to check the earlier history of the place. Like you I don’t try to be funny when I write in these things! I just don’t have the knack! But it’s lovely to record your visit, isn’t it.
What a fun post, Nicola! I hope that you will be able to find more historic visitor’s books.
If there were drunken dogs, were there also crapulent cats, buzzed birds, pickled pets?!
What a fun post, Nicola! I hope that you will be able to find more historic visitor’s books.
If there were drunken dogs, were there also crapulent cats, buzzed birds, pickled pets?!
What a fun post, Nicola! I hope that you will be able to find more historic visitor’s books.
If there were drunken dogs, were there also crapulent cats, buzzed birds, pickled pets?!
What a fun post, Nicola! I hope that you will be able to find more historic visitor’s books.
If there were drunken dogs, were there also crapulent cats, buzzed birds, pickled pets?!
What a fun post, Nicola! I hope that you will be able to find more historic visitor’s books.
If there were drunken dogs, were there also crapulent cats, buzzed birds, pickled pets?!
My sister and I went on a road trip from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2019. We had never gone through the Mid-West, so we enjoyed seeing many sights new to us. We visited the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. One of the bridges had a school composition notebook and pencil on a string nailed to the inside wall of the bridge. People from around the world had signed it and left messages, sketches and even photos. One couple from Iceland got engaged, a grieving husband from Canada had spread his wife’s ashes and left a tearstained note of love and grief, a young child from Cali had left a hilarious sketch of a duck being chased a chipmunk. I signed the book, but couldn’t think of anything clever or funny to leave behind. My favorite visitors’ book I’ve seen so far.
My sister and I went on a road trip from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2019. We had never gone through the Mid-West, so we enjoyed seeing many sights new to us. We visited the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. One of the bridges had a school composition notebook and pencil on a string nailed to the inside wall of the bridge. People from around the world had signed it and left messages, sketches and even photos. One couple from Iceland got engaged, a grieving husband from Canada had spread his wife’s ashes and left a tearstained note of love and grief, a young child from Cali had left a hilarious sketch of a duck being chased a chipmunk. I signed the book, but couldn’t think of anything clever or funny to leave behind. My favorite visitors’ book I’ve seen so far.
My sister and I went on a road trip from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2019. We had never gone through the Mid-West, so we enjoyed seeing many sights new to us. We visited the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. One of the bridges had a school composition notebook and pencil on a string nailed to the inside wall of the bridge. People from around the world had signed it and left messages, sketches and even photos. One couple from Iceland got engaged, a grieving husband from Canada had spread his wife’s ashes and left a tearstained note of love and grief, a young child from Cali had left a hilarious sketch of a duck being chased a chipmunk. I signed the book, but couldn’t think of anything clever or funny to leave behind. My favorite visitors’ book I’ve seen so far.
My sister and I went on a road trip from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2019. We had never gone through the Mid-West, so we enjoyed seeing many sights new to us. We visited the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. One of the bridges had a school composition notebook and pencil on a string nailed to the inside wall of the bridge. People from around the world had signed it and left messages, sketches and even photos. One couple from Iceland got engaged, a grieving husband from Canada had spread his wife’s ashes and left a tearstained note of love and grief, a young child from Cali had left a hilarious sketch of a duck being chased a chipmunk. I signed the book, but couldn’t think of anything clever or funny to leave behind. My favorite visitors’ book I’ve seen so far.
My sister and I went on a road trip from Los Angeles to North Carolina in 2019. We had never gone through the Mid-West, so we enjoyed seeing many sights new to us. We visited the covered bridges in Madison County, Iowa. One of the bridges had a school composition notebook and pencil on a string nailed to the inside wall of the bridge. People from around the world had signed it and left messages, sketches and even photos. One couple from Iceland got engaged, a grieving husband from Canada had spread his wife’s ashes and left a tearstained note of love and grief, a young child from Cali had left a hilarious sketch of a duck being chased a chipmunk. I signed the book, but couldn’t think of anything clever or funny to leave behind. My favorite visitors’ book I’ve seen so far.
All things being equal, what I’d really love to do is go on a long train trip, (The Orient Express would work just fine!) I’d travel in a first class compartment or bedroom, with entree to the Club car. I’ve taken train trips from Baltimore to Montreal, Florida, Chicago and Seattle. All memorable. In pre-e-reader days, I would schlep quite a stack of paperbacks with me. Once I got to my destination, I’d haunt the bookstores to replenish my stock and mail back what I’d read. However, if not a train trip,I’d love to go back and experience England once more. I’d retrace my trip to Fortnum & Mason, Foyle’s, The Tower, not miss Harrod’s this time around, and continue once again to Devon, Cornwall, York, and of course, Oxford to visit 50 Broad Street (Blackwell’s), And I’d indulge my taste for scones and cream teas, Cornish pasties, and whitebait. If only…
All things being equal, what I’d really love to do is go on a long train trip, (The Orient Express would work just fine!) I’d travel in a first class compartment or bedroom, with entree to the Club car. I’ve taken train trips from Baltimore to Montreal, Florida, Chicago and Seattle. All memorable. In pre-e-reader days, I would schlep quite a stack of paperbacks with me. Once I got to my destination, I’d haunt the bookstores to replenish my stock and mail back what I’d read. However, if not a train trip,I’d love to go back and experience England once more. I’d retrace my trip to Fortnum & Mason, Foyle’s, The Tower, not miss Harrod’s this time around, and continue once again to Devon, Cornwall, York, and of course, Oxford to visit 50 Broad Street (Blackwell’s), And I’d indulge my taste for scones and cream teas, Cornish pasties, and whitebait. If only…
All things being equal, what I’d really love to do is go on a long train trip, (The Orient Express would work just fine!) I’d travel in a first class compartment or bedroom, with entree to the Club car. I’ve taken train trips from Baltimore to Montreal, Florida, Chicago and Seattle. All memorable. In pre-e-reader days, I would schlep quite a stack of paperbacks with me. Once I got to my destination, I’d haunt the bookstores to replenish my stock and mail back what I’d read. However, if not a train trip,I’d love to go back and experience England once more. I’d retrace my trip to Fortnum & Mason, Foyle’s, The Tower, not miss Harrod’s this time around, and continue once again to Devon, Cornwall, York, and of course, Oxford to visit 50 Broad Street (Blackwell’s), And I’d indulge my taste for scones and cream teas, Cornish pasties, and whitebait. If only…
All things being equal, what I’d really love to do is go on a long train trip, (The Orient Express would work just fine!) I’d travel in a first class compartment or bedroom, with entree to the Club car. I’ve taken train trips from Baltimore to Montreal, Florida, Chicago and Seattle. All memorable. In pre-e-reader days, I would schlep quite a stack of paperbacks with me. Once I got to my destination, I’d haunt the bookstores to replenish my stock and mail back what I’d read. However, if not a train trip,I’d love to go back and experience England once more. I’d retrace my trip to Fortnum & Mason, Foyle’s, The Tower, not miss Harrod’s this time around, and continue once again to Devon, Cornwall, York, and of course, Oxford to visit 50 Broad Street (Blackwell’s), And I’d indulge my taste for scones and cream teas, Cornish pasties, and whitebait. If only…
All things being equal, what I’d really love to do is go on a long train trip, (The Orient Express would work just fine!) I’d travel in a first class compartment or bedroom, with entree to the Club car. I’ve taken train trips from Baltimore to Montreal, Florida, Chicago and Seattle. All memorable. In pre-e-reader days, I would schlep quite a stack of paperbacks with me. Once I got to my destination, I’d haunt the bookstores to replenish my stock and mail back what I’d read. However, if not a train trip,I’d love to go back and experience England once more. I’d retrace my trip to Fortnum & Mason, Foyle’s, The Tower, not miss Harrod’s this time around, and continue once again to Devon, Cornwall, York, and of course, Oxford to visit 50 Broad Street (Blackwell’s), And I’d indulge my taste for scones and cream teas, Cornish pasties, and whitebait. If only…
Ha! I imagine there might have been all of those things, Kareni! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!
Ha! I imagine there might have been all of those things, Kareni! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!
Ha! I imagine there might have been all of those things, Kareni! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!
Ha! I imagine there might have been all of those things, Kareni! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!
Ha! I imagine there might have been all of those things, Kareni! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog!
Hi Robin. That sounds like an amazing trip! I love the idea of the notebook at the bridge and all the stories and pictures that followed on from that. A real insight into people’s lives and their creativity too!
Hi Robin. That sounds like an amazing trip! I love the idea of the notebook at the bridge and all the stories and pictures that followed on from that. A real insight into people’s lives and their creativity too!
Hi Robin. That sounds like an amazing trip! I love the idea of the notebook at the bridge and all the stories and pictures that followed on from that. A real insight into people’s lives and their creativity too!
Hi Robin. That sounds like an amazing trip! I love the idea of the notebook at the bridge and all the stories and pictures that followed on from that. A real insight into people’s lives and their creativity too!
Hi Robin. That sounds like an amazing trip! I love the idea of the notebook at the bridge and all the stories and pictures that followed on from that. A real insight into people’s lives and their creativity too!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing! I’ve always wanted to go on the Orient Express! That said, your bookshop train tours sound wonderful. One day we will all be able to do these trips again!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing! I’ve always wanted to go on the Orient Express! That said, your bookshop train tours sound wonderful. One day we will all be able to do these trips again!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing! I’ve always wanted to go on the Orient Express! That said, your bookshop train tours sound wonderful. One day we will all be able to do these trips again!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing! I’ve always wanted to go on the Orient Express! That said, your bookshop train tours sound wonderful. One day we will all be able to do these trips again!
Oh, wouldn’t that be amazing! I’ve always wanted to go on the Orient Express! That said, your bookshop train tours sound wonderful. One day we will all be able to do these trips again!
The park is splendid, but because they ‘spoiled the view’ he destroyed the village and the church moving both to a new site alongside the main road.
The park is splendid, but because they ‘spoiled the view’ he destroyed the village and the church moving both to a new site alongside the main road.
The park is splendid, but because they ‘spoiled the view’ he destroyed the village and the church moving both to a new site alongside the main road.
The park is splendid, but because they ‘spoiled the view’ he destroyed the village and the church moving both to a new site alongside the main road.
The park is splendid, but because they ‘spoiled the view’ he destroyed the village and the church moving both to a new site alongside the main road.
There are so many places I want to go! I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S.
I do sign visitor’s books. Ringwood Manor(New Jersey, not the one in England), an historic estate in my hometown, is now a state park, and they’ve scanned in the old visitor books from 1876 onwards, so you can browse them online. I think it’s a great idea. http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/ringwood-manor-guest-books.html
There are so many places I want to go! I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S.
I do sign visitor’s books. Ringwood Manor(New Jersey, not the one in England), an historic estate in my hometown, is now a state park, and they’ve scanned in the old visitor books from 1876 onwards, so you can browse them online. I think it’s a great idea. http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/ringwood-manor-guest-books.html
There are so many places I want to go! I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S.
I do sign visitor’s books. Ringwood Manor(New Jersey, not the one in England), an historic estate in my hometown, is now a state park, and they’ve scanned in the old visitor books from 1876 onwards, so you can browse them online. I think it’s a great idea. http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/ringwood-manor-guest-books.html
There are so many places I want to go! I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S.
I do sign visitor’s books. Ringwood Manor(New Jersey, not the one in England), an historic estate in my hometown, is now a state park, and they’ve scanned in the old visitor books from 1876 onwards, so you can browse them online. I think it’s a great idea. http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/ringwood-manor-guest-books.html
There are so many places I want to go! I’d love to take a road trip across the U.S.
I do sign visitor’s books. Ringwood Manor(New Jersey, not the one in England), an historic estate in my hometown, is now a state park, and they’ve scanned in the old visitor books from 1876 onwards, so you can browse them online. I think it’s a great idea. http://www.ringwoodmanor.org/ringwood-manor-guest-books.html
I’ve recently watched Treasure Houses of Britain and Monty Don’s The Secret History of the British Garden, so it’s *almost* like being there, LOL. Both shows highly recommended, although I’m very grateful I’m not responsible for keeping properties like that afloat (not to mention clean). I also bought Clive Aslet’s Old Homes, New Life, a book which features young aristocratic families tasked with keeping the family pile intact. Not for the faint-hearted. We love to read about such places in fiction, but the work involved must be enormous.
To get my little taste of Britain, we’ve booked a trip on the Queen Mary this November to visit 5 Caribbean islands we’ve never been to. Looking forward to afternoon tea!
I’ve recently watched Treasure Houses of Britain and Monty Don’s The Secret History of the British Garden, so it’s *almost* like being there, LOL. Both shows highly recommended, although I’m very grateful I’m not responsible for keeping properties like that afloat (not to mention clean). I also bought Clive Aslet’s Old Homes, New Life, a book which features young aristocratic families tasked with keeping the family pile intact. Not for the faint-hearted. We love to read about such places in fiction, but the work involved must be enormous.
To get my little taste of Britain, we’ve booked a trip on the Queen Mary this November to visit 5 Caribbean islands we’ve never been to. Looking forward to afternoon tea!
I’ve recently watched Treasure Houses of Britain and Monty Don’s The Secret History of the British Garden, so it’s *almost* like being there, LOL. Both shows highly recommended, although I’m very grateful I’m not responsible for keeping properties like that afloat (not to mention clean). I also bought Clive Aslet’s Old Homes, New Life, a book which features young aristocratic families tasked with keeping the family pile intact. Not for the faint-hearted. We love to read about such places in fiction, but the work involved must be enormous.
To get my little taste of Britain, we’ve booked a trip on the Queen Mary this November to visit 5 Caribbean islands we’ve never been to. Looking forward to afternoon tea!
I’ve recently watched Treasure Houses of Britain and Monty Don’s The Secret History of the British Garden, so it’s *almost* like being there, LOL. Both shows highly recommended, although I’m very grateful I’m not responsible for keeping properties like that afloat (not to mention clean). I also bought Clive Aslet’s Old Homes, New Life, a book which features young aristocratic families tasked with keeping the family pile intact. Not for the faint-hearted. We love to read about such places in fiction, but the work involved must be enormous.
To get my little taste of Britain, we’ve booked a trip on the Queen Mary this November to visit 5 Caribbean islands we’ve never been to. Looking forward to afternoon tea!
I’ve recently watched Treasure Houses of Britain and Monty Don’s The Secret History of the British Garden, so it’s *almost* like being there, LOL. Both shows highly recommended, although I’m very grateful I’m not responsible for keeping properties like that afloat (not to mention clean). I also bought Clive Aslet’s Old Homes, New Life, a book which features young aristocratic families tasked with keeping the family pile intact. Not for the faint-hearted. We love to read about such places in fiction, but the work involved must be enormous.
To get my little taste of Britain, we’ve booked a trip on the Queen Mary this November to visit 5 Caribbean islands we’ve never been to. Looking forward to afternoon tea!
You hear of that quite a lot in the 18th century, don’t you. It speaks of a certain sort of arrogance at being “lord of all you survey”!
You hear of that quite a lot in the 18th century, don’t you. It speaks of a certain sort of arrogance at being “lord of all you survey”!
You hear of that quite a lot in the 18th century, don’t you. It speaks of a certain sort of arrogance at being “lord of all you survey”!
You hear of that quite a lot in the 18th century, don’t you. It speaks of a certain sort of arrogance at being “lord of all you survey”!
You hear of that quite a lot in the 18th century, don’t you. It speaks of a certain sort of arrogance at being “lord of all you survey”!
Thank you very much for sharing that, Karin. I’ve downloaded it. What a treasure trove of comments! I’d think it’s a great idea too.
Thank you very much for sharing that, Karin. I’ve downloaded it. What a treasure trove of comments! I’d think it’s a great idea too.
Thank you very much for sharing that, Karin. I’ve downloaded it. What a treasure trove of comments! I’d think it’s a great idea too.
Thank you very much for sharing that, Karin. I’ve downloaded it. What a treasure trove of comments! I’d think it’s a great idea too.
Thank you very much for sharing that, Karin. I’ve downloaded it. What a treasure trove of comments! I’d think it’s a great idea too.
Ah, proper afternoon tea! How I miss it! I like the emphasis there is at the moment on how modern families are keeping historic properties going. It’s very interesting although an immense amount of work. There was a chap recently who decided to sell his stately home because he felt he couldn’t give it the dedication it needed and he wanted it to go to someone who could.
Ah, proper afternoon tea! How I miss it! I like the emphasis there is at the moment on how modern families are keeping historic properties going. It’s very interesting although an immense amount of work. There was a chap recently who decided to sell his stately home because he felt he couldn’t give it the dedication it needed and he wanted it to go to someone who could.
Ah, proper afternoon tea! How I miss it! I like the emphasis there is at the moment on how modern families are keeping historic properties going. It’s very interesting although an immense amount of work. There was a chap recently who decided to sell his stately home because he felt he couldn’t give it the dedication it needed and he wanted it to go to someone who could.
Ah, proper afternoon tea! How I miss it! I like the emphasis there is at the moment on how modern families are keeping historic properties going. It’s very interesting although an immense amount of work. There was a chap recently who decided to sell his stately home because he felt he couldn’t give it the dedication it needed and he wanted it to go to someone who could.
Ah, proper afternoon tea! How I miss it! I like the emphasis there is at the moment on how modern families are keeping historic properties going. It’s very interesting although an immense amount of work. There was a chap recently who decided to sell his stately home because he felt he couldn’t give it the dedication it needed and he wanted it to go to someone who could.
It is evident that at least one family of the “better” class looked at the world in a different way. I love the stories of things being opened up so anyone could come and share the beauty.
As for the rude comments, it is evident that things have not changed much. People are still anonymous and people still feel they can be clever by being rude. Now it is not a visitor’s book, it is the internet.
I loved the post, and the pictures and the stories.
Thanks so much for the post I hope everyone is taking care and staying well
It is evident that at least one family of the “better” class looked at the world in a different way. I love the stories of things being opened up so anyone could come and share the beauty.
As for the rude comments, it is evident that things have not changed much. People are still anonymous and people still feel they can be clever by being rude. Now it is not a visitor’s book, it is the internet.
I loved the post, and the pictures and the stories.
Thanks so much for the post I hope everyone is taking care and staying well
It is evident that at least one family of the “better” class looked at the world in a different way. I love the stories of things being opened up so anyone could come and share the beauty.
As for the rude comments, it is evident that things have not changed much. People are still anonymous and people still feel they can be clever by being rude. Now it is not a visitor’s book, it is the internet.
I loved the post, and the pictures and the stories.
Thanks so much for the post I hope everyone is taking care and staying well
It is evident that at least one family of the “better” class looked at the world in a different way. I love the stories of things being opened up so anyone could come and share the beauty.
As for the rude comments, it is evident that things have not changed much. People are still anonymous and people still feel they can be clever by being rude. Now it is not a visitor’s book, it is the internet.
I loved the post, and the pictures and the stories.
Thanks so much for the post I hope everyone is taking care and staying well
It is evident that at least one family of the “better” class looked at the world in a different way. I love the stories of things being opened up so anyone could come and share the beauty.
As for the rude comments, it is evident that things have not changed much. People are still anonymous and people still feel they can be clever by being rude. Now it is not a visitor’s book, it is the internet.
I loved the post, and the pictures and the stories.
Thanks so much for the post I hope everyone is taking care and staying well
I love visiting historic places. I’ve been to many of them here in Ireland over the years. We took quite a few self catering holidays when the children were small, owing to a lack of funds and we brought the children to all these places. They knew quite a lot of Irish history as they went through school 🙂
I loved, loved my visit to Bath with my daughters some years ago. A holiday I’ll never forget.
If I get a chance to go to England again I’d love to visit Cornwall. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Places that are steeped in history really appeal to me.
Great post Nicola.
I love visiting historic places. I’ve been to many of them here in Ireland over the years. We took quite a few self catering holidays when the children were small, owing to a lack of funds and we brought the children to all these places. They knew quite a lot of Irish history as they went through school 🙂
I loved, loved my visit to Bath with my daughters some years ago. A holiday I’ll never forget.
If I get a chance to go to England again I’d love to visit Cornwall. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Places that are steeped in history really appeal to me.
Great post Nicola.
I love visiting historic places. I’ve been to many of them here in Ireland over the years. We took quite a few self catering holidays when the children were small, owing to a lack of funds and we brought the children to all these places. They knew quite a lot of Irish history as they went through school 🙂
I loved, loved my visit to Bath with my daughters some years ago. A holiday I’ll never forget.
If I get a chance to go to England again I’d love to visit Cornwall. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Places that are steeped in history really appeal to me.
Great post Nicola.
I love visiting historic places. I’ve been to many of them here in Ireland over the years. We took quite a few self catering holidays when the children were small, owing to a lack of funds and we brought the children to all these places. They knew quite a lot of Irish history as they went through school 🙂
I loved, loved my visit to Bath with my daughters some years ago. A holiday I’ll never forget.
If I get a chance to go to England again I’d love to visit Cornwall. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Places that are steeped in history really appeal to me.
Great post Nicola.
I love visiting historic places. I’ve been to many of them here in Ireland over the years. We took quite a few self catering holidays when the children were small, owing to a lack of funds and we brought the children to all these places. They knew quite a lot of Irish history as they went through school 🙂
I loved, loved my visit to Bath with my daughters some years ago. A holiday I’ll never forget.
If I get a chance to go to England again I’d love to visit Cornwall. It’s a place I’ve long wanted to visit. Places that are steeped in history really appeal to me.
Great post Nicola.
That is so true, Annette. In those days people wrote rude doggerel verses anonymously; now they have user names and are rude online. Sigh. It’s great that despite this, places are pen to sharing their treasures.
That is so true, Annette. In those days people wrote rude doggerel verses anonymously; now they have user names and are rude online. Sigh. It’s great that despite this, places are pen to sharing their treasures.
That is so true, Annette. In those days people wrote rude doggerel verses anonymously; now they have user names and are rude online. Sigh. It’s great that despite this, places are pen to sharing their treasures.
That is so true, Annette. In those days people wrote rude doggerel verses anonymously; now they have user names and are rude online. Sigh. It’s great that despite this, places are pen to sharing their treasures.
That is so true, Annette. In those days people wrote rude doggerel verses anonymously; now they have user names and are rude online. Sigh. It’s great that despite this, places are pen to sharing their treasures.
Thank you, Teresa. I was brought up like your children on historic visits! Such a lovely thing to do and it engenders a lifelong love of history, I think. A trip to Bath with your daughters sounds perfect! And like you in reverse, I long for the time I can visit Ireland again!
Thank you, Teresa. I was brought up like your children on historic visits! Such a lovely thing to do and it engenders a lifelong love of history, I think. A trip to Bath with your daughters sounds perfect! And like you in reverse, I long for the time I can visit Ireland again!
Thank you, Teresa. I was brought up like your children on historic visits! Such a lovely thing to do and it engenders a lifelong love of history, I think. A trip to Bath with your daughters sounds perfect! And like you in reverse, I long for the time I can visit Ireland again!
Thank you, Teresa. I was brought up like your children on historic visits! Such a lovely thing to do and it engenders a lifelong love of history, I think. A trip to Bath with your daughters sounds perfect! And like you in reverse, I long for the time I can visit Ireland again!
Thank you, Teresa. I was brought up like your children on historic visits! Such a lovely thing to do and it engenders a lifelong love of history, I think. A trip to Bath with your daughters sounds perfect! And like you in reverse, I long for the time I can visit Ireland again!