A Surfeit Of Riches

What a day out I had today.

Please forgive the indulgence but it is a rare occasion that I enjoy myself so much.

Sadly Mrs I could not come with me to the breathtaking Stokesay Court, at Onnibury  in South Shropshire. Open Gardens Day.

Built in 1889 Stokesay Court is a Victorian  Mansion house  it was the country home of  John Derby Allcroft, a wealthy glove manufacturer. And it was one of the first houses in England to have electric lighting.  It served as a temporary hospital during World War l and was the location for the film "Atonement' starring Kiera Knightley.

It is a magnificent house with extensive and beautifully laid gardens. Notably a stunning display of rhodedendrons and a fantastic walled garden containing an acre of beautiful rosebeds, shrubbery and climbers. And there is a lake. With swans.

Too much to take it all in, but I tried.

It did rain on and off but I was prepared, with hat, coat and umbrella.

The weather could not deny me the simple pleasure of time to relax and enjoy a very special place. 

I do feel very lucky...


Some extras to illustrate the splendour of the house and gardens.