Greys Court

A relatively early start to the day - away before 8.30am. Called into High Wycombe for some supplies before driving on to spend the day at the very lovely Greys Court. 

Many of the gardens are located within the old castle walls. 

Set in the Chilterns this old Tudor house has been lovingly kept "alive" over the years by very dedicated owners and The National Trust. 

The Tudor Greys Court from the old defensive walls. 

The first building on the site was a Norman castle built by the Norman Knight de Grey. The de Grey family occupied this site for over 400 years. Not much is left of the castle today with the main house built in Tudor times, with alterations continuing into the 20th century. 

The old castle tower now defends the beautiful gardens below it. 

Many lovely garden areas. 

The 125 year old Wisteria vine/tree. 

Another assortment of garden views. 

The gardens are magnificent and the house is one that has a very much lived in feel about it. 

The 16th century Donkey Wheel which lifted buckets full of water from the well 200 feet deep. The poor old donkeys did shifts in this walking wheel!

We later drove  in to Tyle Mill Lock for our overnight stop.  When arriving at the lock we found that the lock bridge was jammed in the open position! It was quite some time before lock personnel arrived and put the embarrassed lady canal boater out of her misery.  

This morning's drive through Henley-on-Thames gave us some lovely views up and down the river.