Today was a continuation of our journey through Hampshire. Our main place visited was The Vyne, a Tudor era estate, visited often by Henry VIII and his entourage. The large Tudor building was altered significantly during Cromwellian times, and, what we see today is from these times.
The Vyne on a dull afternoon.
Earlier this morning we had the first rain for quite a long time. Even though the countryside is still green there is some evidence that this rain is desperately needed.
This part of England is delightful. Small villages that are well endowed with heritage buildings and equally populated with very upmarket homes.
The Vyne is an interesting heritage property, what you see is how it was after 300 years in the one family. It is a very homely and liveable old house, even with the last inhabitant saying she was never warm until she moved to a more modern home!
The Palladian interior of The Vyne. A very stylish drawing room.
The Silvianus Ring, found on the property near The Vyne. This 400AD ring is of Roman origin and is linked to a curse found on a tablet a hundred years after the ring being found. The mystery was deciphered by J.R.R.Tolkien - and it could have inspired the One Ring in the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings! Marble statues that once graced the gardens. These represent the four seasons. More of the palladium interior - the main staircase. A very special dahlia garden.
During our visit here the heavens opened up and we experienced a very serious downfall.
Later we drove onto the lovely village of Whitchurch for our overnight stop.
Popular pub in Whitchurch.
Extra photos:
Great garden displays.
Classic Roman!
