Stourbridge Friday

Early(ish) breakfast this morning, the hotel served between 7:30 and 8:30. That was fine though because we had planned a reasonably busy day. There is always so much to see and so little time to see stuff.

Our first stop this morning was to the Kinwarton Dovecote, built in the 14th century. Perhaps the doves found a better home because there were no doves around. Quite some internal layout. On the way, we had to cross a wide, reasonably deep ford. Took the crossing very slowly.

Next stop was Coughton Court. We were a little concerned about the size because we enjoy the smaller houses much more than the huge ones, easier to relate to and live in. Fortunately, there are still residents living in part of the house, so part wasn’t open to the public. We were lucky to get there before the official opening time and were given a quick personal “overview” tour. We were then able to go back through the house to look further at the bits we were interested in. A great visit followed by coffee in the National Trust cafe. Found out that the trust cafes have loyalty cards (not sure why because there is a captive market) that can be used in all cafes run by the NT. Pity we didn’t know earlier, we would have had a free coffee already. The coffee had a good National Trust pattern until we carried it outside to the table. Note the “outside”. No rain today and very comfortable.

We then went on to Packwood House which was, for us, a “right size” house to visit. It was originally built in the 16th century, with interiors extensively remodelled during the 1930s and 1930s. Baron Ash, who owned the house then, sourced many architectural features from other stately homes that were being “updated” or demolished. Items included fireplaces, wall panelling and windows. He converted a barn into a beautiful Great Hall, even had a sprung floor installed for dancing. The inhabitants of this house were directly connected with the Guy Fawkes plot. The floor fame was mounted on many coil springs. The garden was extensive with a spectacular Yew Garden. The trees take about 3 months each year to prune and shape. At the end of the garden, there is a raised yew tree with a spiral path, bordered by a hedge, leading up to the base of the tree. From ground level the path or spiral can’t be seen. Very clever. Fascinating how the hedges have been pruned and shaped to look as though a cover has been draped across them.

Baddesley Clinton was the last place we had time to visit. It is a moated house built in the late 1500s. It was a sanctury for the owners and also for persecuted Catholics who were hidden from priest hunters in secret hiding places in the 1590s. There are 3 priest holes in the house. By the end of the 1600s, the place was pretty tired, but it wasn’t until the 1860s when new owners restored it. Another smaller, comfortable house.

Crossed the Grand Union Canal on the way.

No more time to see much more, so we headed to the Talbot Hotel in Stourbridge, a bit over 1/2 hour away, stopping for some wine and “eat in stuff”. It was so much easier having booked this hotel last night, B&B 60GBP. Hotel dates back to the 1630s. Floors are very wonky, as are the stairs up to the second floor where we are. Pretty basic means of levelling the bed.