Alexander Fettiplace (on the Mitford trail)

Today I offer you a blip from St Mary's Church in Swinbrook. It was a difficult choice, but I settled for the effigy of Alexander Fettiplace, a brave and bold knight, featured in the Fettiplace monument which is laid out as two trios of reclining figures commemorating six generations of the Fettiplace family. There are various theories as to why they recline on one elbow looking camp, but I won't say more than that they are worth the visit!

The graveyard of St Mary's Church contains the grave of Nancy Mitford along with the graves of three of her sisters. Nancy was famous for two novels: Love in a Cold Climate and The Pursuit of Love. Can anyone recommend them?

The church dates back to the 12th century, although there is now a mixture of styles. There are many noteworthy inscriptions both in the church and the graveyard, but our favourite was the inscription of the last named benefactor in 1748: 'Mrs Susannah Warren of Swinbrook, who gave £10 the Interest of which to be given to the Poor. This money is now lost'.

My sister is visiting and our trip into the Cotswolds, on the trail of the unruly Mitford sisters, was planned by kind friends of ours. They were inspired to take us there not because we dress in country tweeds, or had resisted a rural upbringing, or had been hunted by hounds? Nor have we achieved notoriety, but they likened us in our sorority as a riotous, ambitious pair!

We had a wonderful lunch at The Swan in Swinbrook, owned by Debo, the last surviving Mitford sister. The Inn nestles on the banks of the River Windrush and is decorated with Mitford family pictures. It's the perfect place for an excellent Sunday lunch and a good chat.

A great day out and many thanks to our friends for organising it!