view from balcony
Have you added a garden building, watching some gardening programs on TV there are some posh modern outbuildings but found out last week it is far form a new idea.
Lodge Park
John ‘Crump’ Dutton built this 17th-century grandstand, fuelled by his passion for deer coursing, gambling, banqueting and entertaining. Now open to the public by The National Trust.
Lodge Park, Aldsworth, near Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 3PP
Deep below decks and under the SS Great Britain. The ship sits in a dry dock with a glass roof. On board you can go to the lower decks. Outside you can go under the hull into the dry dock. The glass roof has a few inches of water over the glass from above it looks like the Great Britain is afloat and from the dry dock the light reflects around you giving an underwater feel.
Close to Cheltenham and managed by the National trust since 1924. Set up a lovely wooded valley Chedworth Roman Villa was rediscovered by the Victorians over 150 years ago. Chedworth is partway through a new excavation programme. I spotted several lizards on the walls in the sun but no snails!
See Roman Snails here.
http://www.naturephoto-cz.com/roman-snail-photo-1162.html
Once a forgotten backwater it now looks to be on the up due to investment into its historical past. Lydney Harbour played an important part in making the Severn Estuary a gateway from the South West. Lock gates lead from the tidal waters of Severn Estuary to a 1 mile canal which runs inland to Lydney opened in 1813 to transport iron and coal from the Forest of Dean.
SS Great Britain was a wrought iron steamship was built in 1843 in Bristol, under the supervision of Brunel for the Great Western Steamship Company
Originally conceived as a paddle steamer, her design was quickly altered to take advantage of the new technology of screw propulsion, and her engines were converted to power a massive sixteen foot iron propeller. When launched in 1843 she was by far the largest ship in the world at that time at just under 100 metres she was over 30 metres longer than her nearest rival. she was the first screw propelled, ocean-going, wrought iron ship she was designed initially for the Trans Atlantic luxury passenger trade.She had a crew of 130.
Hailes Abbey where medieval monks once lived in its extensive and very elaborate buildings. The pilgrims who funded this imposing abbey came in search of the renowned relic,known as ‘the Holy Blood of Hailes.’ It was allegedly a phial of Christ’s blood, this was denounced at the Reformation as actually being honey coloured with saffron. (When visiting do not miss the little Norman Church across the road.)
Hailes, Nr Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL54 5PB
The small Norman church at Hailes, Gloucestershire, stands directly opposite the ruins of Hailes Abbey.
Hailes church was begun around 1135, with a wide chancel, nave, and tiny south porch. Chancel and nave are of almost the same width. The church has no tower, just a small turret. The striking Wall paintings are rare as few survive in England after the Reformation intact.
Staying a few days in the Cotswolds the campsite is in one of the carparks at Cheltenham Racecourse. It would be a great spot to watch the racing but the site only operates when there is no fixtures.
One of Britain’s finest Baroque Churches completed in 1735,Great Witley Church (St Michael and All Angels)Jointed to Witley court, it’s splendour is said to be unique amongst country churches in Britain, with gilded decorations throughout, numerous paintings by Antonio Bellucci,10 painted glass windows depicting scenes from the Bible, highly decorative carving and a large monument by Rysbrack.
Witley Court in Worcestershire, England is a Grade I listed building it is also designated as a National Monument. It was once one of the great houses of the Midlands, today it is a spectacular ruin after being devastated by fire in 1937. In the 19th century life was on a grand scale at Witley with week long parties and grand balls.
REFLECTIONS FROM MY WORLD old blog. 