The tour was a success despite cold, showery and windy weather. 28 of us went including 3 current committee members and many past members; the oldest being 95. She held up very well and was an inspiration to us all!
The hotel had excellent rooms, good food, a swimming pool, good WiFi and splendid grounds. We knew our driver (Mark) from the Amsterdam and Delft tour and he was, again, excellent. Our first stop was at Audley End (see photo), enroute to the hotel on day 1. The remaining 1⁄3 of a Jacobean Royal palace, it was magnificent.
On Tuesday. our magnificent guide Claire joined us for three days. We loved Constable country, visiting Flatford Mill and Dedham. Later in the day, we visited Colchester castle museum.
On Wednesday (day 3) we went to Ickworth House. It is an ornate Italianate house consisting of a central Rotunda and 2 wings connected by corridors. Sadly the dissolute habits of a recent owner has led to the east wing being sold off. It is now a luxury family hotel. (www.luxuryfamilyhotels.co.uk) A quick check on google shows that it is somewhat family orientated, but may well warrant a visit for that special occasion. The remainder of the property and gardens are now owned by the National Trust.
Later, in nearby Bury St Edmunds, we visited the ruins of an Abbey which was demolished after the reformation of Henry V111. It had been, clearly, a very big and rich Abbey. In the same grounds now stand a cathedral and a church with a magnificent hammer beam roof. The day concluded with a visit to, and the detailed history of, a surviving regency Theatre. If you were a real theatre addict, the theatre visit tour was good, but, perhaps a little too long for most members.
Day 4 (Thursday) started with a visit to Christchurch Mansion in Ipswich. A house built on the riches of trade and now owned by the people (specifically not the town; so the Council cannot sell it off!). At the main gate, in the road, are 2 stone memorials to 2 winners of the Victoria Cross, by men of Ipswich. Both men died with no known relatives and left their medals to the town. A touching memorial meaning they will not be forgotten. The afternoon started with a visit to Aldeburgh, where we had lunch. The day finished at Sutton Hoo, a National Trust property and the site of the Anglo Saxon ship burial portrayed in the recent film The Dig. A most interesting visit, much enjoyed.
Friday was our last day. On our, slightly circuitous, way home, we visited Kentwell Hall. It was well worth the minor diversion. The house is the earliest symmetrically designed house in UK as well as being the first “Statement” house in England; so we were informed. The owner gave us a 2 hour guided tour and he proved to be almost as interesting as his house. A barrister by profession, he and his wife bought the house in 1972. He was born in Devon, when his mother moved there to escape the blitz, but now considers himself an East Anglian. An excellent example of the wealthy shabby chic in his baggy and scruffy trousers, thick leather waistcoat and a fine, but now unravelling, sports jacket!