Upton House

We set off to visit Compton Verney just before lunch. Unfortunately the Fosse Way off the Banbury Road had been closed so we carried on to Upton House. On arrival we saw the notice that said the gardens had been closed to the public today due to high winds and the risk of falling trees; it was pretty breezy, not August weather at all.

The house was open so after a sandwhich lunch and a drink in the cafe we went in to have a look round. The last time we visited the house was done out as the banking operation relocated from London during the war, the theme has now changed to '1927, House for Sale', the year Walter Samuel, 2nd Viscount Bearsted acquired the house having made his fortune through his father Marcus Samuel founder of the Shell petrol company. Lord Bearsted donated the National Trust the house, grounds and art collection in 1948.

The extensive art collection is still on display including this fine painting by Peiter Janz. Saenredam, The Interior of the Church of St. Catherine, Utrecht, 1636.

We had an enjoyable afternoon despite lack of garden access,