Absolutely nonsuch place

Best day of the week here so far - blue skies, fluffy clouds, light breeze. After a late breakfast with a Blipfriend I went off with my sister to North Cheam to see her daughter and first baby.

As it was such a good day we loaded up the baby and walked along to Nonsuch Park, a 250-acre green space with many wonderful trees and a mansion house built in 1800-odd on the site of a former one, both buildings on the site of the former Nonsuch Palace, built by Henry VIII in 1538 or so, largely on the site and surroundings of the village of Cuddington. The palace cost at least £24,000 (£105 million or so today) and after having been given by Charles II to his former mistress, was finally demolished in 1682 - she sold the building materials to pay off her gambling debts! Nothing of the original building now remains. The current Park is on the English Heritage register of historic country parks, contains Ancient Woodland and has been chosen as a Site of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) for its habitats and wildlife - the adjoining Cheam Park adds another 60 or so acres to this huge space. My Blip today is of the current mansion with its formal flower beds.

A pleasant place, a peaceful oasis in a busy part of the country.