Domesday

Visits to National Trust properties today. First was Nuffield Place, the home of Sir William Morris (later Lord Nuffield) of Cowely Motors, Nuffield Foundation and distribution of iron lung fame. There were vintage cars on display but unfortunately the house tours were booked until later in the day. A reason to return. Instead we walked round the lovely gardens.

A superb cheese toastie in the Cheese Shed at Nettelbed. Then on to Grey’s Court. The original manor appeared in the Domesday Book when the de Grey family owned it. Now it is a Tudor Mansion with a Georgian extension and a history of various families living there, with some rooms preserved as the last owners left them. Apparently Ian Fleming’s mother lived there for a while: does that make her James Bond’s granny?

The have magnificent walled gardens with a 130 year old wisteria which takes up a whole courtyard and an walkway. Vines growing grapes outdoors and heavily laden fruit trees. I have resisted posting yet more flowers but they were superb despite the drought.

The blip is of the 14th century tower.

A delicious lamb harissa BBQ meal back at my brother and sister in law’s house ended the day.